Berlik was a Maghuin Dhonn leader and shape-shifter who could change into the form of a bear. In that form, he killed Dorelei mab Breidaia and scarred Imriel de la Courcel. He also killed Alais de la Courcel's dog Celeste. He bargained with his god that his death would pay the price of the Maghuin Dhonn's broken oath.
After killing Dorelei, he fled Alba, eventually making his way to Vralia, where he claimed sanctuary as a convert to the Yeshuite faith. Among the Yeshuites, he was believed to be god-touched and that a bright angel and a dark angel (Maslin de Lombelon and Imriel) would fight for his soul.