Incomplete Interpretation

The commander of the country’s army was, as usual, patrolling the city with his soldiers. While passing through the streets, he reached a marketplace where his attention was drawn to a beggar standing at a corner. The beggar was staring directly at him, and there was a strange glow in his eyes. After a moment, the beggar stepped closer.

“What do you want to say?” the commander asked.

The beggar remained silent for a few seconds and then whispered, “If you desire prosperity, come to my hut in the forest, north of the city.” Saying this, he walked away, leaving the commander deep in thought.

The commander’s life was peaceful until one day his wife demanded a grand palace-like house. He tried to explain that his salary did not allow such luxury, but she persisted, comparing him to officers of lower rank who lived in magnificent homes. Tired of constant arguments, the commander remembered the beggar’s words.

He saddled his horse and rode toward the northern forest. After traveling some distance, he found a small hut. Inside sat the same beggar, smiling as if he had been expecting him.

“I knew you would come,” the beggar said.

The commander explained his desire for wealth. The beggar opened a chest and handed him four bags filled with gold coins. “In return for one task,” the beggar said, “I can give you a thousand such bags.”

Excited, the commander asked what the task was.

“You must give me some important military secrets of your country,” the beggar replied.

Shocked, the commander hesitated but eventually agreed. The next day, driven by greed, he handed over the secrets. Though he gained wealth, his conscience became restless. Soon, he began having the same dream repeatedly. He interpreted it himself as a sign of his impending death.

Disturbed, he went to the royal astrologer late at night and explained the dream. After listening carefully, the astrologer said, “Its interpretation is that you will only be able to see the sky for three more days, after that—”

“That is enough,” the commander interrupted. “We understand.” Without hearing the rest, he left.

Believing his death was near, the commander went to the king and confessed his crime, admitting that he had sold military secrets to a neighboring enemy preparing for war. Furious, the king ordered his execution.

Before being taken away, the commander begged for one last chance to atone for his sin. He promised to stop the enemy himself. After careful thought, the king agreed under strict supervision.

A fierce battle followed and lasted three days. The commander fought bravely and defeated the enemy, proving his loyalty through action. After the war, he stood before the king again.

Though deserving death, the king reduced his punishment in recognition of his repentance. Instead of execution, he was sentenced to spend one year in a dark well.

Confused, the commander said, “But my dream foretold my death.”

The king replied, “Death is inevitable for everyone. If people remembered death before committing sins, they would never betray their conscience.”

As the guards took him away, the royal astrologer stood nearby. The commander asked, “So your interpretation was wrong?”

The astrologer replied, “No. You left after hearing only half of it. I said you would see the sky for three days—after that, you would live in a place for many days where you would not be able to see the sun at all.

The commander realized his mistake. It was not fate that misled him—but his own incomplete understanding.

The commander realized his mistake. It was not fate that misled him—but his own incomplete understanding.