Rexel, the Ethereal Subterranean beast

Six boys and a camel, boys are worse off. Some were orphans, some escaped slaves, but most were abandoned children
-- teenagers abandoned because their families were too poor. When Mr. Cheib came to ask for jobs, Mr. Jaye had not eaten for days.

Only a desperate man would try to cross Carrickse, but if he had any money, he would hire Cheib. Jayet looked across the campfire at the older boy sitting opposite. A few wisps of beard appeared on Mr. Cheib's face, and his voice had grown thick. Few young men can survive more than a few seasons on the desert. I wouldn't do it again if I made money.
Except for Cheib, who has been walking on the Carricksay for nearly a decade.

Cheib whistled, and the other lads rushed to his side. He showed us how to peel the soles of our feet.

"Feel every step," he instructed. "First your big toe touches the ground and then you roll outward until the ball of your foot is on the ground.
At this point, shift your weight from your back feet." He stood up and showed everyone how to walk quietly with long strides.
"Good practice," he continued. "If the camels move too slowly. it will give away our position. You must be quiet, and you must be quick. '