Raymond of Toulouse, in the van of the crusader army, was bought off by many unnamed towns and castles, with provisions and other gifts. Thus he led the crusade into deserts and wildernesses, where the Turks slaughtered all who separated from the main body. The role of the rearguard was also crucial. Stephen of Blois was much more efficient than the Lombards at this duty against Turkish attacks in the wilds of Anatolia: not a single crusader was killed on the day of his watch, while the Lombard cavalry abandoned a large group of laggards to their fate. Raymond of Toulouse's turn at rearguard duty saw a very determined Turkish attack, which was only beaten off by heavy reinforcements from the main body. This led to a decision to keep the army as close together as possible. The crusaders under Raymond's guidance began to starve and lose foragers to the Turks, especially his Provencals. A large group was surrounded near Kastamon and burned alive, leading to more demands to keep together. Then, when they were tired after crossing the high Paphlagonian passes, they met the main Turkish army. They were attacked by Danishmend Gazi, Kilic Arslan I, Karageth, Ridwan of Aleppo and Turks from Paphlagonia and Antioch. But after the first surprise, they beat them off with losses. The next day, the constable Conrad and his nephew Bruno attacked a fortress on the road to Mersivan, stormed it, and found vital supplies; but laden with these they were ambushed on the way back, losing their booty and many men