[nickik]

Varangian guard was not really a elite guard unit. Varangian guard were stationed all around the empire and were more like a normal part of the military.

In the sources they show up just as often fighting in battles where the emperor was there and when he was not.

The did protect him on campaign, but that might just be because the were the primary infantry arm.

Some people think of them like the Praetorian guard, but that isn't really accurate.