As the siege of Dyrrachion began, Georgios Palaiologos had questions asked from the walls as to why it was happening. The answer given was that Robert Guiscard was anxious to restore his relative Michael VII to the throne and avenge the insults he had suffered. The defenders promised, if they saw Michael, immediately to revere him and give Dyrrachion to him; but they rejected and abused the person that Robert produced, though appropriately dressed and escorted. While discussions proceded over Michael's identity, the besieged made a small but successful raid on the besiegers. Some said this "Michael VII" was genuine, others that he was Michael's cup-bearer, others that he was a complete fabrication by the ambitious and greedy Robert [presumably the monk Raiktor]