Who is Hugh de Whitton from The Reckoning and what is their importance?

Hugh de Whitton is a young orphan of fifteen. He is living with the Monks in Evesham. His father, an English Lord, is killed at the battle of Evesham, fighting for Simon de Montfort. Hugh knows the history and feels he is connected to the de Montfort family. When Bran de Montfort stumbles into the Abbey, Hugh recognizes him and knows he should be the one to help him. Bran is wounded, weak and being hunted by the King. Hugh leads him into Wales.