Though his brother and son escaped from the battle of the river Halmyros, Nikephoros Bryennios was captured by the Turks, who praised his bravery. He was brought to Alexios Komnenos, who, rebuked him for his folly but showed compassion and admiration for his defeated enemy. God stopped Bryennios from killing Alexios as they rested together under a tree. Alexios sent him to Nikephoros III at Constantinople, with his imperial footwear and a letter announcing victory. There he was handed over to Nikephoros' henchman Boril, who took him to the Philopation and blinded him. Nikephoros pardoned all Bryennios' associates and even awarded honours to their blinded leader