Merlinde is the prioress of the Church of Sigarda out here in the Approaches. She is faithful, but she is also practical - having made a deal with Davriel that he should be left alone. Despite his penchant for summoning demons, he at least doesn't kill people. She is proper and matter of fact. She believes there is some good in Davriel, despite his insistence otherwise, and she urges him frequently to care for the people on his land.