Winter Storms

Awaking in the winter shocked Atom, stepping out into the snow filled courtyard he couldn't tell if it had been months or years.

"He's awake!" Andi called dropping a small bundle of fire wood; "grandpa! Grandpa he's awake..." she screamed running into his arms.

"What happened... how long..." Atom began questioning before Andi cut in.

"You wouldn't wake..." she sobbed "it's...it's been months..."

Master Lee quickly exited the hall rushing over. "Finally, you had us worried young boy"

Atom was greeted with warmth as the pair escorted him into the library. "Lots has happened but with the snow beast ravaging the county side has the city on lock down..." Master Lee continued as they took their seat.

"We will weather the storm here but we need to be ready to evacuate..." laying out some books and maps the old master explained too Atom the situation of the city.

For another six months the black and earth sky sect seemed quiet, in reality the two appreciates had been as busy, materials were scarce so the two focused book knowledge. Atom was, to master Lees surprise - quite talented at laying inscriptions. Becoming proficient in fire inscription group supplied the city with an abundance of imbued swords, sheilds, and armor. Sady as the months wore on it no end appeared in sight.

"You should let me go master!" Atom asked holding a summons from the city guard; "We are a sect in the city, we should help too."

"We provide the tools and weapons - we do our part I will speak with the city guard and they will proceed without us..." Master Lee said, he had on several occasions duisaded the boy from running off at the guard summons but as the situation became more dire the harder it became. "You know its a death sentence for those Qi refiners, only the wealthy return unscaithed."

"We can't put it off forever, what if they breach the city - we could be in danger." Atom protested.

"Silly boy, just focus on your studies..." Master Lee said shrugging him off.

"But I'm done." Atom claimed boorishly.

Turing around the old man began scolding the boy, "Pick up another book then! How can you be done studying - Its a life long adventure!" Mumbling as he approached the boy with a thick book he pulled off the shelves.

"I've read them all," pointing to the book Atom continued; "that one explains how runes and inscriptions change when the elemental base ingredients change. It looks at independent systems that where formed by different nations and suggest that they all follow a single rule or master language."

Shocked for a moment the old man put down the book, "Just stay here until your strong, even a great tree could be crushed in its youth!"

Standing in the room alone Atom raised the book; "still waters are bound to rot..."

Being the only student allowed Atom quite the luxury. As he walked back to the dorms he flipped through the pages. Winding through the hallways he came to a stop not at his bedroom but the one directly across the hall.

Several vials were filled with the organs and blood of the tiger he'd killed so long ago. Several bones stacked up on the side, and in the center several tools he'd built or acquired at the market. Setting down the book on a table to the side he raised a large bone from the great beast. Sitting down at a grinding wheel he began working it down. This was the fifth and final full sized sword he would craft.

After several failed attempts he had finally found a method to physically refine the bones into weapons. His plan was for five blades within for scabbards, he would wear the double across the back of his waist, a single short blade on his right and the remaining two on his left hip.

It was not based on a book or martial skill, Atom simply thought he would become a whirlwind of blades - and this was how he would accomplish it. Beyond that Atom felt the need for a defencive item.

"Masters not wrong, its going to be dangerous..." He mumbled to himself setting the weapon to the side. Taking a few bones he began flipping though the book.