where those who do cruel things are strong and they will bring their world to a dark end, while other worlds are Light, where good people prevail and push back the Dark. We Gods and Goddesses stand on both sides of that line in some ways. I am the Goddess of Winds, today, I blow the ships back into port, but tomorrow I am the tornado that ravages a poor village. Here and now, I prefer to be the gentle Goddess, the merciful giver who sees her people home safe. My anger is swift and devastating, but it rarely lasts. I like being this way, and on this world, I have a chance to stay that way if I choose the right people to lead.”
“The Clans,” Ash murmured.
“Exactly,” Vanora said, “the Clans, who are guided by my Avatars and Companions. Except for Gavin and Hamish. Hamish has frequently declared that he wants no clan, and I like having him with me. Gavin, however, has asked and I agree. A Fox Clan is needed, and thus I need an Avatar.” She met Ash’s eyes for a long moment. “My Avatars are people not unlike you, Ash. People with good hearts, they are not perfect and I have never asked them to be perfect, only to be good to each other and to treat the Clans with fairness. They come from their Clans, but are set apart from them, both because of the Power I give them, and because they were such before I found them. My Wolves were keen hunters before they were called, my Wrens spoke for their tribe to all comers, and they passed my test.”
“Let me guess,” Ash said quietly, “they found a hurt animal and offered it care instead of pain and death.”
“Precisely,” Vanora nodded, “although the circumstances for each differed.” She took a deep breath, “You have also passed the test I set you, Ash. My Fox needs a Clan, and the Clan needs an Avatar.” She paused, tilted her head and smiled whimsically, “That is, if you feel you’re up for the job, of course.”
“Me?” Ash yelped, “Why me? I can’t possibly be who you want.”
“But you are,” Vanora said. “Of all the people out there, you have everything I’ve been looking for.”
“But, I have duties here, as the tribe’s storyteller,” Ash began.
“Ash,” Vanora snapped. “If you choose to become my Avatar, your tribe will be offered a place in your Clan. Those who will truly be a part of the Clan will agree to come with you, those who do not will have made their choice as well. When that choice is made, you will chose your successor and I will give them the knowledge that is so important to being a storyteller for your tribe.” She studied Ash for a long moment, “You have fears and doubts, those are normal. What you must watch out for is allowing your fears and doubts to deny you what you deserve. I did not choose you because of a single test, because you were nice to Gavin. I chose you because I know you, I have seen your past in its fullness, and you are the person I want to be the Avatar of the Fox Clan.”
Ash looked down at the fox Vanora was still petting, the one she called Gavin. The fox stared back at him, eyes filled with wisdom. “You said Avatars had Powers,” he said finally, “What kind of Powers?”
Vanora’s smile was viciously triumphant, “The biggest change is that you will never grow old. You will look as you do at your moment of acceptance for as long as you are my Avatar. You will never become sick, and though you may be injured and know pain, you will heal faster than mortal men even if the wounds be mortal. You will Hear my Voice as needed, although I try to pick Avatars who can speak for me without asking my opinion every time the wind changes direction. You will have a limited knowledge of the future, enough warning to ensure that your Clan stays true to me and my wishes. At times, I may choose to work through you and allow you access to my powers, but that will be because the need is great, not because you want to show off.”
“Me?” Ash replied, touching his chest gently.
“You,” Vanora replied, “My Fox.”
It was hard to say no to a Goddess with a smile like Vanora used. Ash grinned, “Yes, my lady, your Fox.”
“And this is Gavin,” Vanora said, indicating the fox, “He will be your companion and friend throughout the long years ahead of you. I advise that you listen to his council, for the Fox is known for his wisdom as much as for his cunning.”
“Greetings, Ash,” Gavin said in his bright tenor. “This will be the start of a wonderful friendship.”
Ash grinned back, “I can see that future as well, Gavin.” He reached out to pet the little fox for a moment, carefully scratching behind his ear, “Now what, my lady.”
“Stop that,” Vanora said, and tapped him on his forehead, “I’m just Vanora.” She changed back into a little girl and smiled at him, “And you are just Ash. As for what happens now, you will go back to your tribe with Gavin and tell them they have been called. You will give them until the morning to decide if they stay or go. I will be watching, and tomorrow morning, I will join you on the trail.”
Ash sighed, “All right, are you sure you won’t come with me now?”
“You are MY voice, Ash,” Vanora said, “speak to your people in my name.”
Ash nodded, “I’ll do my best.” He glanced around the log, “I don’t suppose you saw what happened to my bow?”
Vanora reached behind her and produced a beautifully carved bow, “Take this one, a gift of gratitude.”
“Thank you,” Ash said, taking the bow, “this is a great gift.” He stood up, absently brushing the dirt from his clothes.
“Hey Ash,” Vanora said, Ash looked up, “Don’t lose that bow.”
“I won’t,” Ash replied.
The trip back to the tribe was at both longer and shorter than Ash remembered. Shorter in the way all things seemed when one was reluctant for something to happen, and longer because in many ways, Ash was excited about what had occurred and he wanted to share it with his people.
The sun was beginning to set when Ash finally reached the tribe, he paused at the edge of the clearing they had chosen to camp in and took several deep breaths, “I can do this,” he said aloud.
“Of course you can,” Gavin replied as he leaned into Ash’s ankle. “You’re an Avatar now.” Ash smiled down at the fox and then stepped forward, squaring his shoulders and lifting his chin.
He had not quite passed the boundaries of the camp when he was spotted, and by the one person he really did not want to have to deal with. “The mighty hunter returns,” declared blond haired Brett, he looked at Gavin, “You know, you’re supposed to actually kill the animals you hunt, right?”
Ash tried not to hunch his shoulders as Gavin growled. “You know you shouldn’t jump to conclusions, right Brett?”
“I know that even you won’t be allowed to keep a pet,” Brett said, “you should have just killed the fox before you even got here.”
“And that is one reason why you were chosen, Ash,” Gavin said, “you recognized the difference right away.”
As much as Ash appreciated the way Brett went white, he knew he could not leave it like that, “Leave him be, Gavin,” Ash said. “Brett, make sure you come to the evening fire, I have some interesting news.”
“You can’t honestly think he’ll accept?” Gavin said as they walked away from the still Brett.
“I have to give him a chance,” Ash replied. “He was my friend once.”
They entered the heart of the camp, and Ash did his best to pretend that everyone was not staring at the fox that trotted at his side. There was an odd silence in the camp and Ash felt his cheeks burning as he approached the tent that he had shared with his parents, Evelina and Korey, and his siblings before becoming the tribe’s storyteller.
“Ash!” Evelina said as she stepped out of the tent, “Korey’s home.”
Ash grinned, “That’s great,” he hugged his mother, “I have something I need to tell you both, and the tribe.”
“Come inside then,” Evelina said.
Ash followed his mother into the tent, pausing to let Gavin dart inside as well. “How was your hunting trip, Ash?” Korey asked from where he was sorting through his packs.
; “Interesting,” Ash replied, “did Ryanne get settled all right?”
“Ryanne is over the moon,” Korey replied, “she’ll be fine.”
Ash sat down beside his father and Gavin curled up against his thigh. Ash scratched the fox’s ears lightly, “So, I had an interesting experience today,” he began.
“Yes?” Korey asked.
“Have you heard of Vanora, the Goddess of Winds?” Ash asked.
“I’ve traded with the Clans who swear to her,” Korey said. “I’ve spoken to their shamans; they call them Avatars I believe. They have interesting philosophies.”
Ash nodded, “I had a visitor,” he said, staring at Gavin. “Vanora came to me as I was hunting.”
He had been listening to his mother prepare food, but now she stopped. Korey, however, continued to sort through his packs, “And what did the Lady want?”
“She asked me to become an Avatar for her newest Clan,” Ash said. “The Fox Clan.”
“That explains your companion,” Korey said.
“Gavin is one of Vanora’s companions,” Ash replied, “she sent him with me to provide guidance.”
Gavin sighed and stood up; he walked in front of Ash and sat down, staring at Korey. “Greetings, Master Fox,” Korey said.
“Greetings, Master Trader,” Gavin replied easily.
“I’ve met your fellow Companions before,” Korey said, “although they rarely spoke in front of me.”
“Why should the Clans reveal all of their secrets?”