As Baldwin II and Pons of Tripoli approached Antioch, they met and defeated some of Ilghazi's men at Mt Hingro. After camping at Laitor, Baldwin advanced in front with Pons behind, Baldwin asking to be summoned if the enemy appeared. However it was only in camp at Casabella that he learned that Pons had been worsted in a skirmish. After lamenting that he could not pursue those reaponsible, he decided, as senior Christian ruler, to comfort the people of Antioch and take counsel there. The Turks who had raided Antioch were too far away for pursuit. He realised how much the people had suffered both physically and psychologically, so he entered the city amidst universal joy, prayed in Hagios Petros, made a speech and listened to the advice of Bernard the patriarch. He was made ruler of the city, promising at a formal council to transfer Antioch to Bohemond (II) when he arrived there, together with the hand of his daughter Alice; otherwise property ownership should not change. This was confirmed by a royal charter. He quickly assembled troops from far and wide, arming them well; they included Alan and his troops from al-Atharib, other Antiochene survivors, and men from Edessa. Ilghazi, hearing that Alan was at Antioch, ignored Artah and 'Imm, but attacked al-Atharib. He assaulted the town in all possible ways, till the small garrison surrendered and were sent shamefacedly to Antioch, telling Baldwin where his enemy was. Just before the battle, Ilghazi attacked Zerdana, at first without success. But as the defenders weakened they were lured with false promises till they gave in. Despite the promises, they were all killed. As Baldwin left Antioch, Bernard celebrated Mass in Hagios Petros, blessed him and the army, signed them with the True Cross and followed them for a time before turning back