Petronas was Sevastokrator of Videssos for his nephew, Anthimos III. He was the true power in the palace for several years -- for instance, his bedchambers was closer to the audience room than the actual emperor's -- while his cousin, Gnatios, served as spiritual leader of the empire. He was also instrumental in helping Krispos rise to power, by first making him groom in the stable and then installing him as Anthimos' chamberlain. When Krispos tried convincing the avtokrator to not follow Petronas' advice, Petronas struck the chamberlain with sorcery. Nevertheless, Anthimos was convinced that Petronas would launch a palace coup and set himself up as avtokrator with the blessing of his cousin the patriarch. With the assistance of Krispos and Anthimos' wife, the emperor told his uncle that h