XVII

"I have lived."
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No one knew his real name, not even him.
No one spoke about his number branded upon his scales, nor have they ever called him by it.
He was simply known as XVII.

He was one of the numeral Plague casualties in the battle between feuding Nature and Plague clans.

Nothing else is known about his early past.

His body was found and raised from the dead by Xus — a Shadow enchantress.
He was named XVII, after the day he was brought back to life.

He was introduced to the whole clan under the protection of Xus's helper.
The reaction was, as she had predicted, violent. He was taken back into isolation.

For several weeks on end, Xus had argued with the keepers of the clan.

To keep him was a benefit. Although from an opposing flight, his previous memories of being a Plague soldier could assist them in any incoming battles from other Plague clans.

With some reluctance, the Nature clan had taken him in as a true member.