The year was 1437, and the king decreed silence. “No bells shall toll, no voices rise,” the herald had announced in every square. “The air belongs to the Crown.” At first, we thought it impossible. Sound itself outlawed? But the Silence Patrols came with their earthen muffs and crossbows, dragging anyone who dared hum a tune or hammer a nail. Blacksmiths were gagged, choirs disbanded, even laughter faded. The king’s reason? To prevent rebellion, he claimed, for words breed revolt.