Smiley and the Demigorgon's Warband

Chapter 9: The Ghost of the Icebay

The Icebay of Forochel stretched endlessly before Smiley, the vast expanse of frozen sea and icebergs offering little hope of shelter or warmth. The cold gnawed at her bones, and the bitter wind stung her skin, but she pressed on. Her companions were scattered across Middle-earth, and she had to find them.

After hours of trudging through the snow, her legs aching and her breath heavy, Smiley spotted a faint plume of smoke in the distance. With renewed energy, she hurried toward it, her heart lifting at the thought of shelter. As she drew closer, she saw a small wooden cabin, nestled against the icy shoreline. Outside, a man stood by a hole in the frozen sea, an ice fisherman with a thick coat, long scarf, and a heavy hood covering his face.

Smiley approached cautiously. "Hello?"

The man turned, a gentle smile on his weathered face. "Ah, a traveler. Not many come to this frozen wasteland." He extended a hand. "Name's Ramos. You look like you could use some warmth."

Smiley shook his hand, grateful for the friendliness in his voice. "I'm Smiley. I... got lost out here. I need supplies if I'm going to make it back."

Ramos gestured toward his cabin. "Come inside. I've got food, and there's a fire going."

Inside the cabin, Smiley felt immediate relief from the biting cold. Ramos handed her a bowl of hot stew, and she savored the warmth as it spread through her body. As they talked, Smiley explained her mission—to defeat the Orc King and reunite with her friends.

Ramos listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "The Orc King's no easy foe. His magic is ancient, dark, and powerful. You'll need more than just courage to face him."

Smiley nodded, her eyes distant. "I've already learned that the hard way. My friends and I barely survived our first encounter."

After a moment of silence, Ramos stood and moved to a corner of the cabin, retrieving something wrapped in a thick cloth. He brought it over to Smiley and unwrapped it to reveal a gleaming spear gun, its metal polished and sturdy.

"This," Ramos said, placing it in Smiley's hands, "is a spear gun I crafted long ago. It's enchanted with an old spell, one that can pierce even the toughest of armor. If you're going to face the Orc King again, you'll need it."

Smiley's eyes widened as she inspected the weapon. It was beautifully crafted, with intricate runes engraved along the barrel. "This... this could really help. Thank you, Ramos."

Ramos smiled, but there was something sad in his eyes. "Use it well, Smiley. You've got a good heart. I've been waiting for someone like you."

They talked for a while longer, Ramos offering advice and sharing stories of his time on the ice. Eventually, as the sun began to set, Smiley knew she had to continue her journey.

"I should go," she said, standing and gathering her things. "Thank you again for everything."

Ramos nodded. "Be careful out there. The Icebay holds many secrets, and not all of them are friendly."

Smiley stepped outside, the cold wind biting at her again. As she walked away from the cabin, she noticed something off to the side, partially buried in the snow—a gravestone. Curious, she brushed the snow away and read the name carved into the stone.

**Ramos.**

Her breath caught in her throat, her mind racing. She spun around to look back at the cabin, but the structure was gone, vanished into the frozen landscape as if it had never been there. The truth hit her hard—Ramos had been a spirit, trapped in this icy wasteland, unable to move on.

Smiley knelt by the gravestone, her heart heavy. "Ramos... thank you."

The spear gun in her hand felt lighter now, a gift from someone who had never left this world but had found a way to help her. She stood, her resolve stronger than ever.

"I'll use it to finish what you couldn't," she whispered, her breath visible in the cold air.

With the weight of her mission pressing on her, Smiley turned and continued her journey, the spirit of Ramos watching over her as she prepared for the battles yet to come.