Jehan Congost
(1172 - 1209)
Jehan Congost is a weak and ineffectual man. He is attached to the household of Raymond-Roger Trencavel, Viscount of Carcassonne, Béziers and Albi as escrivan - scribe.
In this capacity he attends meetings between Trencavel and his most trusted servants and vassal lords, including Trencavel's intendant – steward – Bertrand Pelletier.
When Congost is not required to work in his lord's service, he is employed writing out documents, letters and messages for illiterate customers.
Because of these two occupations, Congost is often aware of sensitive, confidential information.
Jehan Congost is married to Oriane Pelletier, Bertrand Pelletier's elder daughter.
Oriane is voluptuous, dark and full of charm. She makes alliances through promise of sexual favours and is happy to play a double hand. She has many lovers, including her Guilhem du Mas – the husband of her younger sister Alaïs. He is well aware that his wife despises him.
