When calm was restored at Amaseia by presenting the supposedly blind Roussel to the crowd, Alexios planned how to destroy his army and capture the forts he had taken. However he was requested by Michael VII's envoys to return with Roussel to Constantinople. He disagreed with this order, considering it shameful to capture only the rebel but not his men, who might continue harassing the cities. He left Amaseia, went through Paphlagonia and visited Theodoros Dokeianos, who welcomed but reproached him for blinding such a brave man as Roussel, who could have been of great benefit to the Byzantines. He asked Theodoros gently to wait until they were alone to learn the reasons, assuring him that he would then absolve him of the blame at once. They arrived at Theodoros' house, had dinner, then went to the room where Roussel was held and ordered him to remove the bandage from his eyes. On discovering the truth, Theodoros was delighted and congratulated him. After three days as Theodoros' guest, he left, and went to Kastamon, wishing to visit his ancestral home with a few companions. He wept to see it abandoned, and had to be dragged away by his men, to avoid capture by the Turks. He crossed the passes to Herakleia and met Michael Maurex, whose house he visited. While there he went to the church of the Theotokos to give thanks. As he left he defeated a band of Turks with the help of Maurex's men led by Michael Boutoumites. He planned to stay near Herakleia to win more victories, but received an urgent summons from Michael VII to return at once by ship, as the roads were blocked by the Turks. He obeyed and returned to the capital, buffeted by a severe storm in the Sea of Marmara which he only escaped by the Theotokos' aid. He was received kindly by Michael VII, who embraced him gratefully and rewarded him with dignities