Master of the Fields

The Master of the Fields was the leader, at least symbolically, of the people of the rural towns surrounding the Strange and Wonderful House in its native universe, acting as a counterpart to the Master of the House. It was the Master's responsibility to lead the Harvest Procession that brought victuals to the House for the winter through the Great South Gate every year on Harvest Day, riding on the lead cart, which was pulled by a team of eight, unblemished black oxen adorned with ribbons.

Rondel's father became the new Master of the Fields just in time to lead one such Procession, with his twelve-year-old son riding along with him on the lead cart. (PROSE: Our Strange and Wonderful House: The Great South Gate)