Rondel's father

The father of the twelve-year-old boy Rondel was an inhabitant of the outside world in which the exterior of the Strange and Wonderful House was located, residing in one of the agricultural communities who surrounded the House and paid allegiance to it.

He became the Master of the Fields just in time to lead one of the Harvest Processions bringing winter provisions to the House via the Great South Gate on Harvest Day, with Rondel riding along with him on the lead cart, pulled by “a team of eight unblemished jet black oxen, decked in multicolored ribbons”. The House had also requested children between six and twelve from whom to choose new recruits from the Household Staff. Much to his surprise, Rondel ended up being selected, and would go on to spend his whole life within the House. (PROSE: Our Strange and Wonderful House: The Great South Gate)