Who is Shaliq ibn Tewkik from The Source; a Novel and what is their importance?

Shaliq is the head of the Family of Ur in Makor when Volkmar arrives. Shaliq has a plan for survival. He and his family hide in a cave for the first three days, and survive. He presents himself as a doctor and amputates the leg of the injured Volkmar, thus gaining favor with him. He readily converts to Christianity and adopts the name of Luke.