“Alright, turn your books to page 32!” announced Mrs Lurco to the class. “We are learning about the formation of Ravenna.”
The textbook was thick and had a crimson cover on it, with orange lettering on the cover reading, “Historia regni Ravennatis.” History of the Kingdom of Ravenna. I turned the pages, careful not to damage them. Mrs Lurco began reading aloud.
“For centuries, the Ravenna Realm has stood as a shining symbol of unity. Founded by Nero Caesar, our nation emerged from chaos to establish order across the Bronze Sea, ushering in a golden age of innovation and stability.”
A shining symbol of unity? That’s a bit dramatic. But I guess every country hypes themselves up in their history books
“Throughout history, the brave Bronze Legion has defended the realm with loyalty, ensuring peace and securing Ravenna’s place as a guiding light. Their victories have not only strengthened our borders but also brought wisdom and governance to those in need. Under King Calvus IV, our people thrive, united in purpose.”
The Bronze Legion “brought wisdom and governance,” so they took over places, right?
“Our lands, blessed with rich copper and tin deposits, have long been the heart of progress. The Eternal Mines provide the finest metals in the region, fuelling Ravenna’s unmatched craftsmanship and trade. It is said that the very name of the Bronze Sea is a tribute to Ravenna’s contributions to industry and warfare.”
Eternal Mines… that name is everywhere, but they never say much about them. Who actually works there?
I raised my hand. “Mrs Lurco, if Ravenna controls all the bronze, why don’t we ever see the miners?”
The classroom suddenly went quiet, like someone had flipped a switch. Students glanced at each other, some faces turning slightly pale. I could feel their eyes on me, the room growing heavier by the second. One turned to face me. “What kind of question is that? The mines are fine. That’s just how things are.”
Mrs Lurco’s smile faltered for a second, before she straightened up. “Yes, Miss Astra, the mines are fine. And anyway, that is not relevant to today’s lesson. Let’s move on.”
I raised my hand again, ignoring the unease in my stomach. “But where do the metals come from, really? The textbook talks about the Eternal Mines like they’re some sort of legend, but nobody talks about the workers.”
A boy behind me sneered, “Some questions are best left unanswered. You should know that by now.”
I wouldn’t shut up. “Why is this such a big secret? If Ravenna is such a great and prosperous kingdom, shouldn’t its citizens know the truth about its history? Where the bronze really comes from, how the Bronze Legion took over places, if people died?”
“That’s enough, Miss Astra!” Mrs. Lurco’s voice cracked like a whip, her eyes narrowing with a dangerous intensity. “Don’t you dare suggest that lives were lost as a result of Ravenna. We don’t entertain such- such falsehoods in this classroom.”
Her hands gripped the edge of her desk, knuckles white, and for a moment, I thought she might snap. “This is a place of education, Miss Astra, not of rebellion. We honour our history here, and nothing, nothing, will tarnish the prosperity that Ravenna has built. Understand?”
I opened my mouth, but the weight of her glare silenced me before I could speak.
“Good. Now, let’s turn to page 33. This conversation is over.”