At that time it happened that Johannizza, the King of Wallachia and
Bulgaria, with all his host, marched against the marquis, towards a
city called Seres. And the marquis had set a strong garrison of his
people in the city, for he had set there Hugh of Colemi, who was a very
good knight, and high in rank, and William of Arles, who was his
marshal, and great part of his best men. And Johannizza, the King of
Wallachia besieged them; nor had he been there long before he took the
burgh by force. And at the taking of the burgh a great misfortune
befell, for Hugh of Colemi was killed; he was struck through the eye.
When he was killed, who was the best of them all, the rest of the
garrison were greatly afeared. They drew back into the castle, which
was very strong; and Johannizza besieged them, and erected his
petraries and mangonels. Nor had he besieged them long before they
began to talk about surrendering, for which they were afterwards
blamed, and incurred great reproach. And they agreed to yield up the
castle to Johannizza, and Johannizza on his side caused twenty-five of
the men of highest rank that he had to swear to them that they should
be taken, safe and sound, with all their horses, and all their arms,
and all their baggage, to Salonika, or Constantinople, or
Hungary—whichever of the three it liked them best.
In this manner was Seres surrendered, and Johannizza caused the
besieged to come forth from the castle and encamp near him in the
fields; and he treated them with much fair seeming, and sent them
presents. So he kept them for three days, and then he lied and
foreswore his promises; for he had them taken, and spoiled of their
goods, and led away to Wallachia, naked, and unshod, and on foot. The
poor and the mean people, who were of little worth, he sent into
Hungary; and as for the others, he caused their heads to be cut off. Of
such mortal treachery was the King of Wallachia guilty, as you have
heard. Here did the host suffer grievous loss, one of the most dolorous
that ever it suffered. And Johannizza had the castle and city razed,
and went on after the marquis.