Folksburywoods Story Blog

“How long have we known each other,” asked the crow.

“Five seasons. You found me half frozen. Others would have killed a weak kit. But you, Anthrax, dragged me to a tree’s hollow. You covered me with leaf litter,” answered the vixen.

“Yes, I remember something to that effect; your eyes asked for kindness. I couldn’t say no,” the bird said.

“I have never found another creature with a heart like yours. It is so big, you must share it with all you meet,” said the fox.

“Fennec, I am dying. I want you to understand that you are my closest thing to a child. I need you to understand the wisdom I have gained so you can pass it on to others. Will you do that for me?” inquired the bird.

The fox sat quietly and then said, “I had my suspicions. Yet, being so close to you, I couldn’t let the truth into my heart.”

“I am sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I, too, did not want to accept the truth. The funny thing about truth is that it is the same whether you accept it or not,” mused Anthrax.

“I shall honor your wish and carry your words to the forest folk until my dying days,” remarked the fox.

“Come, we have much to discuss, and time grows short,” said the crow.

The two companions walked and talked for several days from morning until sundown. Occasionally, the bird would fly off to gather a root or plant. It would return to share its hidden powers with his Fennec.

One morning, Fennec found the bird lying on his side, barely breathing. “Is it time? I’m not sure I’m ready,” said the fox.

“You were born ready, child. Go, I don’t want you to see me die,” whispered the crow.

The fox leaned over and whispered, “Goodbye, Father.” Shaking the tears from her eyes, she turned and walked away.

Fennec walked until she was exhausted. Catching sight of a tree hollow nearby, the fox slipped inside and fell into a deep sleep.

Fennec rose, hunted, and ate the following day before setting off through the forest. Spotting a badger, the female called out, “You badger, I have word from my master for you. May I trouble you a moment?”

She explained her mission. She told the badger about roots that would heal a wound. She also mentioned where to find fungus that helped in childbirth.

“I thought you a trickster or mad fool. But as you spoke, I remembered my Nana telling me some of these things as a pup. I had forgotten them,” said the badger.

Badger walked with Fennec, calling others to hear her stories of healing and health. Fennec soon shared all the wonders Anthrax had taught her to beasts large and small.

Spring came, and it was time to find a mate. When her first litter came, she named the eldest male Anthrax. She vowed he would be a healer and teacher like his mother and grandfather.

If you ever find yourself in the forest, look for animals gathering herbs and roots. They use them to help heal a friend, just as Anthrax taught Fennec so long ago.