PART TWO Summary (continued)

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Summary

As the boy packs his things with no intention of using the money for anything other than the sheep, the two stones, Urim and Thummim, fall out of his shepherd's pack. They remind him that the king had said, Never stop dreaming. Follow the omens. He is also reminded that the sheep has taught him the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as a part of a search for something believed and desired. If he wanted something, all the universe would conspire to help him achieve it. He goes downstairs and leaves without telling the merchant goodbye, so he won't cry in front of the customers. Then, outside the shop, he decides that he has enough money, all the time he needs, and so why not? He puts the stones back into his pocket and heading for the supplier's warehouse, he is once again on his way to his treasure.

Notes

The two stones falling out of Santiago's pack are omens of the future and so foreshadow his decision to carry on. He knows he is supported and protected by the universe, and because he is not afraid of change, he can face the uncertainty of a new world in Africa.

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Summary

At the same time, an Englishman sits in a corral near the supplier's warehouse. He has spent ten years at a university and now finds himself in only in such a disgusting place. His studies had been aimed at finding the one true language of the universe and he, like Santiago, believes in omens. Now, he is studying alchemy, but he has reached a point beyond which he cannot seem to go. He has sought out alchemists, but they have always refused to help him and he wonders if they, too, have actually failed to discover the secret of the Master Work - the Philosopher's Stone. Now, a friend has told him that an Arab of exceptional powers lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis. He can turn any metal into gold. So, he is joining a huge caravan that is preparing to cross the desert and pass through the oasis. He is joined in the wait by a young boy who speaks Spanish and is glad to have someone to talk to in a language less difficult than Arabic.

Notes

The Englishman is another character who will provide an example to Santiago to either follow or reject. He is seeking his Personal Legend also, but he has spent a long time stuck in one spot and needs help to move on. Like Santiago, he will be given guidance from the alchemist to find his way on the path God has set.

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Summary

However, as Santiago (the boy who speaks Spanish) tries to engage the Englishman in conversation, he gets nowhere. The man wants to be allowed to study his books. It's only when the boy takes out Urim and Thummim that he gets the man's attention. He tells the man that he got them from a king and then the Englishman takes two identical stones and obviously has had the same experience as Santiago with the king who wore a golden breastplate. He also knows about the significance of the stones from the Bible and believes that their meeting is an omen and is based on the concepts of luck and coincidence, two words that are the basis of the universal language. The boy is looking for his treasure while the Englishman is looking for the alchemist, a kind of treasure as well.

Notes

Here we are given information about the universal language whose basis is luck and coincidence. It works here for Santiago. Had he not had the two stones, the Englishman probably would never have given him another glance. Had he not met with the Englishman, he would never have learned of the alchemist who will be his greatest guide. It foreshadows how dynamic the events that take place on the oasis will be.