Alexander mounted the cold, stone steps of the general entrance to the Articulated Mathematics building as an apprentice for the last time.

Today would be his triumph, or his undoing. He wasn’t sure which…not yet anyway.

Eight years ago, as a young boy of twelve, he’d been snatched from his parents’ estate by the Brothers Didactic after scoring unexpectedly high on the mathematics portion of his Speculates.

Without much formal training beyond the basics in any one area, the Speculates were designed to ferret out inherent ability one might posses in any of the given Applications.

Alec had shown almost no aptitude in any of the physical applications, and very little in the psychosocials. He wasn’t skilled in biology, chemistry or medicine. But mathematic equations seemed like a first language to him…never officially taught but picked up along the way, and seemingly intuitive.

That left him with a few avenues of study. The fact that he was almost completely deaf, narrowed it down to one: Articulated Mathematics.

Articulated Mathematics was the science of music…the use of mathematical equations and formulae to compose works of musical genius.

Music was considered an art. But AM was a science. Therefore, its novitiates were, as a rule, deaf.

It was this juxtaposition between art and science that had led the current Emperor, Cassander and his concubine, to elevate it from Esoterica to one of the greater Applications, followed by the opening of the AM branch of the university.

None of this history was on the mind of Alexander as he made his way through the halls of the AM to the apprentice’s room near the auditorium, however.

He checked the time as he pushed through the doors. He was only 10 minutes late, which gave him less time to worry. His part was nearly finished anyway.

The orchestra had assembled in the auditorium. They wouldn’t have a chance to practice the piece, but they would be given half an hour to familiarize themselves with the written music.

The first time the piece would be played, would be for Emperor Cassander and Lady Schezwin, along with their Court.

Alec felt the sweat starting to dampen his back and armpits. Luckily he was wearing an apprentice’s overcoat with the AM sigil patched onto his left breast pocket.

Professor Jessem, Alex’s mentor, placed his hand on Alex’s shoulder, turning him around.

“Of all the days, Alec, you choose this one to be late?” he signed.

Alec shrugged and lowered his eyes.

Jessem lifted Alec’s chin, giving him a quick smile, and guided him towards the rear of the room.

Jessem was one of the great Masters. It had surprised everyone when he’d chosen Alec as his apprentice. They’d worked together for almost the entire 8 years Alec had been at the AM. All for this recital.

Alec could feel his stomach roil. He stopped short of the exit and turned to Jessem.

“Are we sure it’s ready?” he signed.

Jessem’s turn to shrug.

“We’re about to find out,” he replied. And pushed Alec through the door and out onto the stage.

The room erupted into applause.

Alec wouldn’t have noticed except for the vibration coming from the audience section of the auditorium. He risked a quick glance at the center box, the seats of the Emperor and his Court.

Emperor Cassander was only about 10 years older than Alec. He smiled proudly from his seat as the audience clapped. Cassander would reward him greatly if his piece was a success. Alec didn’t want to think of what would happen if it wasn’t. If he embarrassed the Emperor in front of everyone.

Alec tried to swallow, though his mouth and throat had run dry.

He stepped up to his position behind and above the orchestra. An overly ornate throne sat there and Alec stepped in front of it.

He signed to the interpreter his introduction. Though Cassander and his Court all read sign, many in the audience did not. Alec assumed the interpreter would accurately reflect what he was saying.

“Your Majesty,” Alec began, attempting to meet Cassander’s gaze briefly before bowing.

“I am humbled and honored by your presence at this, my first recital.”

Alec paused, as instructed by Jessem, allowing for the Emperor to acknowledge him with a nod.

“My piece has been the work of my life for the last eight years. Your indulgence in allowing me to attend the AM has opened my mind, my heart and hopefully, my creativity. It is entitled “The Four Elegances” and calls to mind the beauty of the four elements and the four tides of the hearts of humanity. I hope you will find it pleasing.”

Alec stopped and dared risk one more glance at the Emperor. Cassander smiled and leaned forward in his seat.

Alec sat down and nodded to the conductor. From the corner of his eye, Alec noted Jessem at the side of the stage, wringing his hands.

The conductor raised his baton, the lights lowered and the first note was struck.