Casas mounted the camel, but this was no ordinary camel. It was one of the rare camels with pure white fur, possessing a sacred appearance under the glow of the sunlight. Carefully bred by Casas's father, it was presented to him upon reaching adulthood.
Noen led the camel by the bridle, walking step by step toward the temple halfway up the hillside.
"This camel can enter the temple," Casas said offhandedly as he stroked the camel's fur.
Noen nodded in agreement and replied,
"Little master, the priests all say that the white camels can ascend to the temple."
Casas glanced at Noen, then said,
"But Stone Slaves like you cannot."
Noen's eyelids dropped, and he said nothing.
