# of Words: 485

While sleeping close to a sycamore tree at the sacristy of an abandoned church, Santiago, a shepherd boy, has a recurring fantasy about a kid who informs him that he'll come across a hidden treasure if he travels to the Egyptian pyramids. An old lady tells Santiago that this fantasy is prophetic and that he should follow its instructions.

Santiago is unclear, however, because he loves the life span of a shepherd.

Next Santiago meets a mysterious older man who seems able to read his thoughts. He informs Santiago about good and bad omens and states that it's the shepherd boy's responsibility to pursue his Personal Legend.

Santiago wavers temporarily before purchasing his flock and purchasing a ticket to Tangier, in northern Africa, to which he travels by ship. Soon after he arrives there, a burglar steals all of Santiago's money, or so the shepherd boy decides to look for a way to make enough money to go home. He finds work at the shop of a crystal retailer, in which Santiago makes improvements which reap considerable financial benefits.

After eleven months of working from the shop, Santiago is unsure of how to move. If he return to Andalusia a wealthy man and purchase more sheep? He joins a caravan travel to Egypt.

Santiago meets an Englishman who would like to know the secret of alchemy, or turning any metal into gold, by a renowned alchemist who resides at an oasis on the road to the pyramids. While travel, Santiago begins listening to the desert and detecting the Spirit of the World. The caravan leader gathers the travelers together and informs them the tribal warfare prevents them from continuing their trip.

Santiago wanders from the oasis into the desert and, seeing two hawks fighting from the skies, has a vision of a military going into the oasis. Soon afterward, Santiago is confronted with a black-garbed, veiled stranger with a sword, that sits atop a white horse. It's the alchemist. The tribal chieftain arms his guys, and they are well-prepared when the oasis is really invaded. The alchemist provides to cross the desert with Santiago.

Soon the two men enter into a place of extreme tribal warfare. Warriors hold the 2 men captive, but eventually permit them to continue their travel. The alchemist informs Santiago that he wants to come back to the oasis, which the rest of the excursion is Santiago's to make alone so that he can maintain his Personal Legend.

Santiago arrives in the Egyptian pyramids and begins to dig. He discovers nothing buried in the floor. Thieves beat Santiago and then rob him of his money. After he informs them of his fantasy, however, one of the thieves doubted his own fantasy about a treasure treasure at the sacristy of an abandoned church.

Returning to Andalusia, Santiago goes back to the church at which he dreamed of the treasure close to the pyramids.

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