"well then forget Bertrem checking the lever and just pull it if boring isn't what you are wanting to waste your time with... heck, if you want you can just use this torch to push the lever, and make sure you are a safe distance from it when doing so..."
"I say we stick together here, I'll wait right here in the entrance room with my torch, listening and observing the effects of moving the lever - other than hopefully raising the portcullises."
"Alright lads...let's get on with this. Which lever should we pull?"
*I'm thinking that, provided Bertram doesn't get chopped in half or anything as a result of checking the lever/disarming the button thingie (if it has one), we should proceed to pull a) Eastroom's lever, or B) Westroom's lever, attempting to raise one of the porticullis'.*
Getting disgusted at all the silliness, and slightly miffed that nothing is happening yet, Bertrem pulls the lever, and then jumps back, ready to attack the rat or the lever, whichever attacks him first!