In this quote from Sabriel, the question is raised whether it is the individual who makes conscious choices that determine their path or if the path itself guides and influences the individual. It explores themes of free will versus destiny, suggesting that the journey may be shaped by external forces beyond personal control, or that personal choices actively shape the course taken through life or magical realms.
The quote also emphasizes the mystical and magical atmosphere of the story, with the mention of Charter Magic intertwining with the words. It hints at the deeper forces at play in Sabriel's world, where destiny and magic are intricately connected, and the line between choice and fate is blurred, inviting reflection on the nature of agency within a magical universe.