Ridwan, ruler of Aleppo, suffered constant annoyance from the ruler of 'Azaz, his subordinate. He therefore decided to capture 'Azaz, ordering his other subject rulers to gather there for an attack. The ruler of 'Azaz sought aid from Godfrey at Antioch, who at first was suspicious, but later was persuaded when the ruler delivered his son Muhammad as a hostage. He sent his agreement by carrier pigeon. Godfrey also called his brother Baldwin from Edessa. Baldwin came with large forces, advising Godfrey to involve the other crusaders. But Bohemond and Raymond of Toulouse at first refused to join Godfrey and Baldwin, jealous that the invitation had not come to them also. At another level, the wife of Folbert of Bouillon was captured when her husband was killed on the road from Antioch to Edessa, and she was taken to 'Azaz. The Turkish commander of mercenaries at 'Azaz was smitten by her appearance, and asked to be married to her in lieu of wages. This was done, and the bridegroom became a strong advocate of 'Azaz's new Frankish alliance. Godfrey pleaded the need for crusader cohesion, and persuaded Bohemond and Raymond to bring their armies to 'Azaz, making too large a show of force for Ridwan to continue his attack. He disbanded his army after a vain attempt to ambush the crusaders, which caused casualties on both sides. After the withdrawal of Ridwan, the ruler of 'Azaz publicly thanked Godfrey for his help, and the two swore everlasting alliance; he received from Godfrey as a gift a beautiful helmet and hauberk belonging to Heribrand of Bouillon. Despite careful treatment, the ruler's son Muhammad would die: but he accepted Godfrey's explanations, and did not break their alliance