The eastern generals, Isaakios (I) Komnenos, Katakalon Kekaumenos, Michael Bourtzes, Konstantinos (X) Doukas and Ioannes Doukas sought mediation with the emperor via Leon Paraspondylos. But they were insulted and sent away. At this they lost all hope, were incensed at the emperor and reviled him, sought revenge, and took an oath in Hagia Sophia to punish those who insulted them. They even thought of refusing to fight the Turks. Once this was done all retired home, announcing their departure to the emperor