 He is also mentioned in the 13th-century "Danishmendname" as "Chavuldur Chaka" (), but it is not a very reliable source due to the semi-legendary nature of its material.According to the "Alexiad", Tzachas was originally a raider, who was taken as a prisoner by the Byzantines during the reign of Nikephoros III Botaneiates ().Tzachas entered Byzantine service and advanced rapidly through imperial favour, receiving the title of "protonobilissimus" and rich gifts.