Leading his flock across Andalusia's fields, Santiago comes across a deserted church and graveyard. He decides to rest here with his sheep for the night, curling up on the cold stone floor with his book serving as a makeshift pillow.
Santiago, who met a merchant's daughter in an Andalusian village a year earlier, approaches the town with his flock that he has been herding for two years. He frequently contemplates the knowledge he has acquired from his sheep and what they have gained from his guidance. He observes that the sheep rely solely on him to find sustenance and have lost their natural instincts since they don't need to seek out food on their own.
Contemplating the beautiful daughter of the merchant, Santiago visualizes a scenario where he elucidates his knowledge to her.
. Reflecting on his conversation with the elderly gentleman, Sa
...ntiago experiences irritation regarding the accuracy of the man's observations pertaining to his contemplation of abandoning his purpose. Wandering aimlessly about the city, Santiago encounters a vendor offering tickets to the region housing the Egyptian pyramids, however, he refrains from making a purchase.
While standing at the ticket window, Santiago realizes that he has the option to sell one of his sheep for the cost of a ticket. However, he decides to continue shepherding his flock instead. He reflects on the fact that neither the old gypsy woman nor the old man truly comprehend the responsibility of caring for a flock. Despite the wind picking up, he imagines remaining with his sheep.
Upon starting his employment with the crystal merchant, Santiago is granted a favorable percentage for the sale of every individual item.
In order to buy some
sheep, Santiago desires to increase his earnings. However, he realizes that his current rate of earnings will take a year to accumulate the amount he needs. Consequently, he proposes the idea of constructing a display case outside the shop premises to draw more customers. Initially, the crystal merchant resists the suggestion as he is hesitant about altering the status quo. After careful contemplation and conversation with Santiago, he eventually agrees to the proposal. Within sixty days, the display case proves to be a massive achievement as it lures in numerous customers.
In half a year, Santiago will have enough money to go back home and purchase twice as many sheep. His employment in the store has contributed to this.
As the caravan continues towards the oasis, the Englishman studies the desert to understand its language while Santiago delves into the Englishman's literature on alchemy. The Englishman explains that alchemists aim to purify metal by heating it for a prolonged duration until all its distinct characteristics dissipate.
The residue remaining is referred to as the Soul of the World and is believed to be the means of communication for all things. According to the speaker, this revelation is known as the Master Work. Santiago poses a question, suggesting observation of men and omens as a means of grasping the universal language instead. However, this remark angers the Englishman, who accuses Santiago of oversimplifying matters. Ultimately, our protagonist discovers that the Master Work constitutes only half of a liquid substance.
According to the tradition of the tribe, as explained by the tribal chieftain to Santiago, the oases are considered to be neutral ground and protected from any kind of attack.
After
reassuring Santiago that they pay close attention to the omens of the desert, the chieftain informs him that they will break their commitment of not carrying weapons at the oasis and remain vigilant for potential threats. Additionally, he guarantees to award Santiago with gold coins if he has accurately read the omens. Following this conversation, an imposing stranger on horseback confronts Santiago, holding him at swordpoint. However, the stranger is revealed to be the alchemist who is examining the boy's courage by testing his ability to decipher hawk flight omens.
At the beginning of this stage of the expedition, Santiago voices his anxiety and uncertainty to the alchemist.
During their conversation, Santiago admits to the alchemist that his heart is fearful of the journey ahead and considers itself a traitor. He explains that his heart believes he has already discovered his treasure in the form of Fatima's love, and urges him to turn back. The alchemist assures Santiago that these feelings are natural, given he is pursuing his dream, and that his heart fears losing what it has gained and suffering along the way. Ultimately, they both agree on the significance of listening to one's heart.
While traversing the desert, Santiago gains the ability to embrace his true self and releases his apprehension of fulfilling his fate, ultimately relinquishing any desire to go back.
On the third day of Santiago's journey, the chief and tribesmen witness him transforming into the wind while conversing with the desert about his dilemma and seeking assistance. The topic of their conversation is the essence of love, and the desert advises Santiago to seek aid from the wind.
The wind queries Santiago about
his mastery of conversing with the desert and wind. Santiago responds by claiming he has been taught numerous languages by his heart. Santiago piques the wind's interest by proposing that they can discuss numerous infinite possibilities if the wind provides assistance. The wind finds this suggestion agreeable and expresses its willingness to help despite its frustration. The wind advises Santiago to ask heaven for help, resulting in the creation of...
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