Himerios was the commander of the city garrison of Skopentzana. He was informed of the civil war between Stylianos and the Avtokrator Maleinos II by the prelate Rhavas. On the day a courier arrived with news of the war, the eparch Zautzes had consulted with Rhavas who, in turn, immediately came to Himerios to sound him out. Because Himerios commanded the largest military force in the region, his support for the Avtokrator or for the usurper would be important. He implied to Rhavas that he would support Maleinos but the prelate realised when he returned to his residence that Himerios had not actually committed to either side. He viewed Himerios scornfully as a trimmer and determined to watch him closely for signs of treason.