Zbigniew, in view of his father’s disapproval, and after discovering the plans of Sieciech and Duchess Judith-Sophia to take over Poland, gains an ally in the young prince Boleslaw.

Both brothers demand that the reins of government should be handed over to them.

It is difficult to believe, however, that Boleslaw is making independent decisions at this point as he was only twelve years of age.

It is postulated that at this stage he is merely a pawn of the Baron’s power struggle.

Wladyslaw I Herman, however, agrees to divide the realm between the brothers, each to be granted his own province while the Prince—Wladyslaw I himself—retains control of Mazovia and its capital at Plock.

Wladylaw also retains control of the most important cities, i.e., Wroclaw, Krakow and Sandomierz.

Zbigniew’s province encompasses Greater Poland, including Gniezno, Kuyavia, Leczyca Land and Sieradz Land.

Boleslaw’s territory includes Lesser Poland, Silesia and Lubusz Land.

The division of the country and the permission for Boleslaw and Zbigniew to co-rule greatly alarms Sieciech, who now begins preparing to dispose of the brothers altogether.

Sieciech understands that the division of the country will undermine his position.

He initiates a military settlement of the issue and he gains the Prince’s support for it.

The position of Herman is seen as ambiguous as he chooses to support Sieciech’s cause instead of his sons'.

In response to Sieciech’s preparations, Boleslaw and Zbigniew enter into an alliance.

This takes place at a popular assembly or Wiec organized in Wroclaw by a magnate named Skarbmir.

Here it is decided to remove the current guardian of Boleslaw, a noble named Wojslaw who is a relative of Sieciech, and arrange for an expedition against the Palatine.

Subsequently, in 1099, the armies of Count Palatine and Prince Herman encounter the forces of Zbigniew and Boleslaw near Zarnowiec by the river Pilica.

Here the rebel forces of Boleslaw and Zbigniew defeat Sieciech's army, and Wladyslaw I Herman is obliged to permanently remove Sieciech from the position of Count Palatine.