Peter found Belgrade deserted, and plundered and burned it. He then marched for eight days to the fortified city of Nis (Naissus). There, with diminishing food, he asked Niketas, the governor, for a market at fair prices, giving hostages (Godfrey Burel and Walter of Breteuil) and promising to avoid violence. But as soon as the hostages were returned, a hundred Germans, who had quarelled with a local man, committed vandalism on some mills and the populace and governor over-reacted with a violent attack. Peter, who had left, was recalled by Lambert to investigate, bury the dead and make peace. His envoy (a Bulgarian who had joined the crusade) had nearly placated the governor when a thousand men began a uncontrollable riot in Peter's camp. This led to a full-scale attack from Nis's people; Peter's men were defeated, many were killed and his money lost; his army only re-assembled after three days, with the aid of Rainald of Broyes, Fulcher of Orleans, Godfrey Burel and Walter of Breteuil