A fascinating story about a young man and his mentor. The events take place in the mid-19th century, when serfdom was still in effect in the Russian Empire. On the way to freedom, the young hero goes through many tests of lucid dreams filled with mysticism and surrealism. The young man already has difficulty distinguishing between reality and dreams, but at the same time he learns to use the possibilities of dreams. He transforms into different animals and finds artifacts that help him achieve his goal. This book also tells the story of his teacher. This is a self-made man. He is purposeful, educated and noble. Filled with the desire for the highest ideals of the human personality. Successful in his career, he is unhappy in love and embodies it in caring for those in need. The young man has not seen his teacher for many years, but a controlled dream gives him this opportunity.