There are three paths. This is one of them (2)

''This article is about the path of the guardians. For the path of the acolytes, see "There are three paths. This is one of them (1)". For the path of the keepers, see "There are three paths. This is one of them (3)".''

"There are three paths. This is one of them" is the seventh chapter in the first book of The Starless Sea. It is the fifth story in the book Sweet Sorrows and the seventh chapter overall.

Summary
Because stories are fragile, guardians arise to protect them. It is not possible to volunteer to be a guardian. Instead, they are chosen and rigorously tested.

A sample of an initial test is described. A boy in a public library is asked to watch a book until the owner returns. He agrees. A woman who looks similar to the owner of the book tries to take it, but the boy refuses her. The original owner returns and rewards him with candy.

If the candidate makes it through three years of testing, they are given an egg, and must return with it six months later, still intact. If successful, an elder guardian forces the candidate to crush the egg, which contains fine golden powder which permanently marks the candidate's hand.

Subsequently, the candidate is given a tour of the Harbor, including rooms in which only guardians are permitted, older Harbors, and the shores of the Starless Sea itself. Finally, they are asked if they are willing to give their life for all of it. Those who agree are tattooed with a sword in a pattern uniquely designed for them. Those who refuse are killed.

Major Characters

 * Dorian - unnamed, described as a "small boy"

Minor Characters

 * Woman with dark eyes and a green scarf
 * A different woman with dark eyes and a green scarf

Trivia and Connections

 * Although he is not named, the small boy who takes the initial test is Dorian.
 * The book used in the test is Fortunes and Fables. It was given to Dorian as part of his initiation into the Collector's Club, but was taken from him by the club when they changed their policies.
 * The execution method used to kill candidates unwilling to join the guardians is the same method that Dorian uses to attempt to kill Mirabel.

Analysis
The second path focuses, not on treasuring and recording stories, but protecting those stories. Like the path of the acolytes, membership requires sacrifice. Initiates are tattooed rather than branded, and likewise marked with the golden dust. In addition, it is implied that they spend time outside of the Harbor in service of its protection. In a sense, guardians give up pure enjoyment of the Harbor in service of its protection.

Allegra and the Collector's Club are an evolution of the guardians, employing their methods and with similar aims. Under Allegra's leadership, however, these new guardians are denied all access to the Harbor, going so far as to destroy any means of access to it. They wish to preserve it completely intact, but in doing so, they prevent it from growing and changing naturally.

Quotes

 * He is unaware that he has been tested but he is proud of himself nonetheless.
 * To be a guardian is to wear death on your chest.