Nikoulitzas Delphinas had been sent home to Larissa by Romanos IV, and had spent four years resting and thanking God and the emperor. But when Romanos was captured by the Turks, he returned to Constantinople. He was given advice by Nikephoritzes, an acquaintance who wished to help him. Nikephoritzes, as krites of Peloponnesos and Hellas, was passing through Larissa and advised him to go to Constantinople where the young and gentle Michael VII was reigning. He followed this advice, and went to pay his respects to the emperor. He was receivd by the emperor, but delayed by other business. Michael was inspired by God to help him, he appointed him commander and anagrapheus of the infantry and the navy