Louis was guarding the rear when he realised that the mass of the army and the baggage train in front of him was beginning to climb the dangerous mountain with little protection. They were terrified of the steep path and sheer precipices, fearing to be dislodged by falling soldiers and animals and the attacks of an increasingly bold enemy. As he lost more men and animals into the ravine, he pushed forward, but could do little, as much of the army clung to the path without advancing; only after nightfall did the destruction stop. He was unprotected by infantry and archers, having not planned to cross the mountain that evening. He and his small but famous bodyguard pushed through from the rear to attack the forces killing the centre of his army; but horses were useless on the steep path, and the nobles became sitting targets. Louis himself had to climb a rock by grasping tree roots, and defend it against many enemies; luckily he was not recognised. He escaped from the rock, found a horse, and spent the night with his army. All rejoiced to see him alive, but as he was alone and bloody they mourned his lost bodyguard: William de Warenne, Everard of Breteuil, Manasses of Bulles, Gautier of Montjay, Itiers of Meingnac and many others. Geoffrey of Rancon would have been hung by popular demand for disobeying orders, if Amadeus of Maurienne had not been equally guilty: the latter's status as royal relative made it hard to punish him