At that time the Greek empire was ruled by the Empress Zoe the Great,
and with her Michael Catalactus. Now when Harald came to Constantinople
he presented himself to the empress, and went into her pay; and
immediately, in autumn, went on board the galleys manned with troops
which went out to the Greek sea. Harald had his own men along with him.
Now Harald had been but a short time in the army before all the Varings
flocked to him, and they all joined together when there was a battle. It
thus came to pass that Harald was made chief of the Varings. There was a
chief over all the troops who was called Gyrger, and who was a relation
of the empress. Gyrger and Harald went round among all the Greek
islands, and fought much against the corsairs.