How is Fatima a threat to Santiago fulfilling his personal legend? What does she say to him concerning his search for his treasure?

Fatima represents the power of love to encourage people to evolve. Significantly, just as she and Santiago meet, he is trying to locate the alchemist in the oasis. She points the way to guide him. Symbolically, love and attraction point the way to alchemy and evolution. She tells Santiago that she will wait for him just as her mother waited for her father. Her declaration of patience and love represents the cycle of love throughout the ages, and its central role in encouraging evolution.