Altuntash, Turkish ruler of Bostra and Salkhad, antagonised both Mujir al-Din the titular ruler of Damascus, and Mu'in al-Din Anar, the power behind his throne. He made a formal visit to Baldwin III and Melisende, with a large retinue, to say that if given suitable compensation, he was willing to hand over Bostra and Salkhad to the Christians. The plan was examined carefully and an agreement made, satisfactory to both sides, and it was decided to send heralds to assemble the army and take the True cross. Baldwin and all his barons were to meet at Tiberias to march to Bostra. The treaty between Anar and Fulk was still in place, so Baldwin wrote to Anar to explain the apparent violation. Anar sensibly summoned his allies before replying, accusing Baldwin of breaking the treaty by invading Damascus to support a rebel. He asked him to stop, offering to pay his expenses. Baldwin replied by explaining that Jerusalem intended no harm to Damascus, but felt obligated to Altuntash, who had left Bostra on their account; they wished just to return him to his city, then let events take their legal course. Bernard Vacher was one of the envoys who brought Anar's letter, which seemed likely to stop the expedition. But as news spread, Bernard was called a traitor, while Altuntash's offer was praised to the skies by irresponsible people. The irresponsible made the army leave, and they reached Cavea Roob, where they met large numbers of the enemy. That night, all would willingly have returned, but it was hard to move anywhere. They advanced, but progress was slow and exhausting, as they were thirsty among dead locusts. The army went on in grave danger to Deraa, as the enemy increased in number while effective Christian troops decreased. After four days' torment they reached water at Bostra. But they heard that Altuntash's wife had betrayed the town to the Turks. There was nothing for it but to return home