Bertrand is the leader of the Cathars who previously resided in and around the covenant of Fontis Niger; he speaks some Latin and is not utterly terrified by the strange ways of the magi. He is acting as the "domestic" head of the covenfolk, but Sir Bertrand seems to be working towards making him a member of his staff. He has become the "mayor" of the new Cathar-populated farming hamlet at the foot of the Pech by Sir Bertrand in order to keep him with his fellows - and to ensure there are no challenges to his authority up on the hill.