In retaliation, the Turkish hordes in their flight laid siege to the fortress of Zovk but were badly beaten by the Armenian garrison there commanded by the great Armenian chief Apirat Pahlavuni, grandson of Grigor Magistros,[3] and father to the brothers Grigor and Nerses the Gracious (Shnorhali).[4][5] They, however, were unable to capture the fortress, and at length were obliged to raise the siege, and set forward to other expeditions. But Abirad exposing himself on the walls, was wounded by an arrow, and died. His son Basilius succeeded him in his possessions. A year after this, Basilius the Crafty died, and as he had not children, his government was exercised by the Kamsarakan chief, Degha Basilius.[6][7]