He fled, surrendering his country to be ravaged by the foe.

His cities and villages were burned, and seven thousand of his subjects were carried captive to Kief.

But Georges was not a man to bear such a calamity meekly.

He speedily succeeded in forming an alliance with the barbarian nations around him, and burning with rage, followed the army of the retiring foe.

He overtook them near the city of Periaslavle.