…makes its way into Moesia.

They manage to take over Pliska on July 20, as only a small, hastily assembled army is in their way.

Here Nikephoros helps himself to the treasures of the Bulgarians while setting the city afire and turning his army on the population.

A new diplomatic tentative from Krum is rebuffed.

While Nikephoros I and his army pillage and plunder the Bulgarian capital, Krum mobilizes his people (including women and Avar mercenaries) to set traps and ambushes in the mountain passes.

Initially, Nikephoros intended to march through Moesia and reach Serdica before returning to Constantinople but the news of these preparations for a battle changes his decision and he chooses the shortest way to his capital.

The overconfident Emperor neglects to scout ahead.