After securing from the ineffectual Arcadius (Honorius' brother and Emperor of the East) the Master-Generalship of Illyricum in 397 CE, Alaric, king of the Goths, immediately began to plan for the invasion of the Western Empire, ruled in Honorius' name by the barbarian Stilicho, Master-General of the west. Alaric invaded Italy in late 401, crossing the Alps and the River Adige, and Stilicho dashed north to bring reinforcements from Gaul for the defense of the emperor's court at Milan. By the time the Master-General returned he found that Alaric had taken Milan, while Honorius was chased into refuge at Hasta. But before the place could be besieged and the emperor captured Stilicho finally arrived on the scene, heavily reinforced by barbarians from Germany; Alaric retreated westwards, setting up his camp near Pollentia. Stilicho pursued, and the two armies met at Pollentia in early April 402, where Alaric was probably badly beaten. By all accounts, however, the Gothic king emerged from the battle with his cavalry arm intact, and with a hearty contempt of his adversary, he marched south intending to take Rome undefended while Honorius and his venal court was celebrating Stilicho's victory. Stilicho followed and intercepted him north of the capital; but instead of risking another battle Stilicho offered Alaric a substantial subsidy in return for the prompt departure of the Goths from Italy. Alaric's chieftains and common soldiers eagerly grasped at so easy a prospect of safety and riches, and Alaric, whose prestige was weakened by defeat, was forced to reluctantly comply, in spite of his hopes of capturing the capital.