In the intricate landscape of the Thessalian court, the preparations for war unfolded in a manner that mirrored the complexity of political maneuvering. John, the half-brother of Nikephoros, assumed the mantle of leading the troops into the impending conflict, orchestrating a multifaceted strategy that intertwined military might with cunning diplomacy.
To fulfill a clandestine promise made to the Sicilian king, John initiated a plan that involved faking an assassination attempt on himself. This calculated scheme aimed to portray him as weakened and in need of rest, a stratagem designed to propel the campaign back home, aligning with the narrative agreed upon with the Sicilian monarch.
