Konstantinos Barys, suspected of plotting, was banished by Konstantinos IX with the loss of his tongue. When Barys heard of Lazaros of Galesion he sent him much gold in a bag with a lead seal, a skaramangion, and a sealed letter, asking for clues on whether he would seize the throne. Lazaros returned the gifts and sent back the emissary with two nomismata for his trouble