To Walk, Perchance to Dream
Checked Out By: Hazug, Solomon Dorku
"The art of dreamwalking is mysterious, and cannot simply be taught. There are spells, yes, that allow one to visit dreams, however this is nothing of the sort. Dreamwalking is the practice of visiting a sleeping person's mind, sifting through their memories and desires, and if one is skilled enough, the power to re-write them. It is believed this power is bestowed upon a select few, and it is only through their reported sightings through history that we're able to assemble even this tidbit of knowledge. As explained, this book cannot teach one how to Dreamwalk, but instead teach about its intricacies and complicated and strange history. The first believed practitioner of Dreamwalking was a royal assassin employed in early Tagantan history. Supposedly, this assassin was able to use Dreamwalking to trick and manipulate his victims into performing all sorts of treasonous, foolish, or risky endeavors, leading to their eventual death."
...
"Thus we come to the supposed origins of Dreamwalking. As something that is beyond the capabilities of spells, one has to wonder where this power comes from. There are no lineages that have been established that practice it, nor does it seem to be connected to some kind of intensive training. Thus we can come to a conclusion that it is, perhaps, an ability bestowed upon someone. After all, the one or two records we have of Outworlders using this ability does not imply they originated the art. Where, then, does the power come from? Or perhaps, from who? When one is given the ability to change and tweak memories and experiences, who is to say that even its practitioners know how they came to possess their power? But just as there is a way to unravel even the tightest knots, there must be a way to restore the memories that have been changed. If one is to imagine one's mind as a quilt that has been torn and patched, it stands to reason that removing those patches and restitching the broken parts back together can fix these broken memories."
...
"And this is where the book ends, Solomon. I was the first Whisper, created all those years ago since our nation's founding. Through my lies and deception, I helped our Empire grow and prosper. Years ago, when you were young, I was your mentor. You were a star student, and were offered the position as a Whisper of Destruction. I was so proud of you. But I had my misgivings. I had witnessed my emperor, our God, grow more disillusioned with us with each passing year. I don't know what caused this, or if it was there this whole time and I was just too blind to see it.
When you were brought before everyone to receive your gift, a revelation was made that infuriated the Emperor. He was ready to strike you down then and there. But something came over me, and I intervened on your behalf. I told him that if we wiped your memories and sent you to the front lines, your prowess in battle would help win us victories, and eventually you'd die along with the rest. He agreed, and I inserted myself into your life and memories as your brother.
There is more to the story, but I can't tell you here. Atam is in Pastony Prison; find him, and you'll find me. I love you."