Meeting with Melchizedek, the King of Salem

While reading in the Tarifa plaza, Santiago is approached by an old man who reveals himself to be Melchizedek, the King of Salem. Melchizedek speaks of Personal Legends, the Soul of the World, and the principle that when you truly desire something, the universe conspires to help you. He tells Santiago about the world's greatest lie—that fate controls our lives—and convinces Santiago to sell his sheep and pursue his treasure. In exchange for one-tenth of Santiago's flock, Melchizedek gives him Urim and Thummim, stones to help read omens, and instructs him to follow the omens to the Pyramids.