Suku's Adviser

The Spider Clan’s chief abbot had entrusted their newest application to the monk Wangohan, allowing him to develop it as he so desired. At the end of the first month, master Suku was called in to review the monk’s progress.

“You have chosen a web framework which has never been used at the Temple,” Suku observed. “I cannot say whether you are employing it well or poorly, but your code twists and wriggles around the API like a snake among the brambles.”

“I had read many encouraging reviews of this framework,” explained the monk. “All were promises written upon the morning wind. Now this snake has lost his way.”

“Nostrils in the cold underbrush; tail still warm in sunlight,” said Suku.

Wangohan shook his head. “I have come too far to turn back now. What advice can you give for the journey forward?”

“None at this time,” said Suku. “But at midnight tonight, take up a lantern and follow the path that crosses Zjing’s Bridge. I will send an adviser to wait for you on the other side.”

When the appointed hour had arrived, Wangohan stole away from the abbey and started across the long, swaying bridge that spanned the chasm. He had just reached its midpoint when the planks of the far end burst into flame. Fire shot down the ropes toward the terrified monk; half the bridge was now ablaze. In the terrible light, master Suku could now be seen on the far end, extinguishing her lantern and walking away.

Backing away from the inferno, Wangohan was enlightened.