Gwenlwyd, Roland's stepfather, is on his way to the Spanish king Marsli's court, serving as Chiarlymaen's ambassador who will supposedly make sure that Marsli really means his apparent concession of defeat to Christianity. Along the way he befriends Balacawnt, one of Marsli's wisest advisors.

"It is strange, what you say," said Balcawnt [sic]. "Where does Rolant get such confidence as that - and how is it he has such ability - that he promises to Chiarlymaen to subdue all the kings?" "Rolant's confidence," said Gwenlwyd, "is in the prowess of the Franks, who dare no less and are able [to do] no less than they wish. And there is nothing under heaven so high that they would not think that it might be subjugated to them through their powers. And every one of the Franks," he said, "loves Rolant so much that there is nothing, however perilous, they would not dare at Rolant's wish. And likewise the will of every one of them, on their part, is his will. And there is nothing special of Rolant's that may not be common to every one of them on their part. All Chiarlymaen's golden treasure depends on the counsel of Rolant. And from that wealth he buys others, bound to his will."

And while Balacawnt's and Gwenlwyd's discussion lasted, their conversation was about Rolant, until they swore together on their faith to betray him to death.