Melampian chieftains set an ambush for Chanialis, leader of the Turks of Tympaki and Messara. The Aga, with three hundred well equipped Turks, headed toward Melampes on Easter Day. His purpose was to take revenge on the Melampians for their revolutionary action and to mount a surprise attack on Easter night, expecting to find the village and all its inhabitants gathered together and unprepared.

However, the Melampians learned of his plans, rallied with the residents of the surrounding villages of Agios Vasilios and armed themselves, setting an ambush at the site of Rothiano stream near the village of Melampes. According to tradition, the guards placed on watch realised the enemies were approaching at night thanks to the sparks flying from the shoes of horses galloping on the stones of the coast.

The approaching, unsuspecting Turks received a surprising, powerful blow from the rebels. Several Christians were killed in the violent conflict that ensued —120 according to sources— but most of the casualties were Turks, including their leader, Chanialis. The enemies retreated when their leader perished, and the Cretan rebels celebrated their victory. In fact, according to local tradition, the Turks renamed this place Kako Ryaki (Bad Stream) due to this debacle. Other sources on the battle say that Ioannis Asoumakis (Asoumanis) from Krya Vrisi in Agios Vasilios, who killed Chanialis, was thought to be dead by his family. To everyone's surprise and delight, he appeared after his own funeral while preparing the kollyva (traditional boiled wheat) for the nine-day memorial service, riding on Chanialis’ mare with a large scarf around his neck.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the martyrs Manuel, Georgios, Angelis, and Nikolaos took part in this battle.