There were also three wounded Germans. The resistance decided they were a burden and killed the wounded prisoners. True the prisoners were soldiers, and this was a guerilla campaign where the resistance did not have many resources to spend on wounded. Yet, this was a serious violation both of the rules of war and of common sense.

"Victory is not always gained with weapons. Sometimes we can crush the opposition with kindness or with a deed of generosity, acting contrary to the severe dictates of war. In this case, the Resistance lost the opportunity for such a beautiful victory."

The Germans wanted their men back and they threatened reprisals on the villages if the captives were not released. They enlisted the local Orthodox metropolitan to carry their message. A representative of the metropolitan approached the Resistance leaders. He entreated with the Resistance leaders to let the prisoners go. He pointed out that when reprisals were exacted, the Resistance would be gone and innocent villagers would bear the suffering. The request was refused for all the usual reasons: concern for loosing face, the brutality induced by the horrors of war, the undeniable cruelties of the Nazis.

After several exchanges, the negotiations fell apart without resolution. Thus, was set the context for a tragedy.