Susenyos' time on the throne was all but over 15 December, when "Ras" Mikael forded the Tekezé and swiftly closed on the capital; "Ras" Sanuda declared for Mikael Sehul. Accordingly, Susenyos fled Gondar with the Empress Mentewab; first she sought refuge with Abuna Yosab in Emfraz only to be turned away, then after sending her valuables to safety on Dek Island in Lake Tana proceeded to Qwara. Once there, writes Bruce, "Those who made Socinios a king never made him a friend."