Sections VI-XII

King Marsile instructs his messengers to offer Charlemagne peace terms, including conversion to Christianity, feudal submission, and the provision of hostages, promising to meet him before the new moon wanes.

Marsile equips the messengers with white mules, golden bridles, silver saddles, and olive branches, sending them to Charlemagne with the implicit warning that the emperor cannot guard himself from treachery.

The passage establishes Charlemagne's recent triumph in capturing and converting Cordres, with his army enriched by spoils and his key barons gathered in an orchard near his person.

Blancandrins presents Marsile's offer to Charlemagne, detailing the gifts of animals, precious metals, and funds while urging the emperor to return to France, claiming Marsile will follow and embrace Christianity.

Charlemagne responds deliberately, acknowledging Marsile's historical enmity and demanding proof of good faith through hostages before accepting the peace proposal.

The emperor orders the messengers' mules stabled and arranges comfortable lodging for them with servants, demonstrating hospitality while maintaining courtly protocol.

Charlemagne gathers his barons, including Archbishop Turpin, Roland, Oliver, and other major nobles—but notably including Ganelon, the traitor—to debate the peace offer, setting up the coming conflict in council.