When preparations for war against Alexios I were going well, Guiscard was suddenly informed by a messenger that Henry IV of Germany was about to invade Italy. This was a danger in itself, and also brought up the problem of providing for his younger son Bohemond as well as the firstborn Roger. Guiscard gathered his counts and announced that he had to return to Italy to defend it against Henry. He told them that Bohemond was now ruler of his conquests in Epiros beyond the Adriatic, telling them to obey him. He turned to Bohemond and told him not to dictate to the counts but to work with them, and to fight persistently against Alexios, respecting his experience and bewaring of overconfidence because of the victory already won. Guiscard and Gregorios VII marched to meet Henry, who at first was keen to carry out his promises to Alexios I to invade Lombardy, but later, when he heard of the disasters of 1081, was reluctant to run risks and withdrew