Out of the night came Halbarad, Ranger of the North,
With the sons of Elrond at his side.
"The heir of Isuldir has need of his kin,
Let now the Dunedain ride."
Word from Imladris the riders did bring
Which would fill their receiver with dread.
"The days are short, if thou art in haste,
Remember the paths of the dead!"

In the tower of the Hornburg the Ranger prepared
To contend with the black Orthanc stone.
The right was his, if the will was enough.
He challenged the Dark Lord alone.
Seizing the orb, with the strength of his mind
He perceived foul intentions abroad.
A fleet of corsairs made haste from the south.
Soon all of Gondor would fall!

Down to the Dwimmorborg's root,
'Neath the black trees we rode.
And there past the columns of most ancient stone,
A door in the rock like the mouth of night below!

"My blood runs chill!"

To pass through the door in the face of terror
Steady are the hearts of the northern rangers
Where Elessar leads they are sure to follow
Need shall take them, strength shall guide them
Death is all to be found down this road
But they may suffer him to pass them
Long to the living have these ways been closed
Isildur's heir may use it - if he dare!

At Erech stands from ancient times a stone of Numenor,
And there the mountain men to Gondor fealty they swore.
When Sauron grew to might again and they would not come to fight,
Isildur he cursed them ne'er to rest.

Now deep into the heart of the earth he led them.
Doom approaches, the dead awaken.
Past the bones of those before him.
The hour has come for the oath-breakers.
And there amidst the whispering darkness,
"Keep your hoards and secrets hidden,
I summon you to the stone of Erech!"
No answer but the ever silent dark

And so they made their way to Morthond in the midst of fear.
While all around the shadow sound of many feet drew near.
The shades of men and horses, pale banners shred like clouds,
And spears like winter thickets on a misty night.

"The dead are following. They have been summoned"

"The King of the dead! The King of the dead is coming!"

"Oath-breakers, why have ye come?"
"To fulfill our oath and have peace!"
"The hour has come, to Pelargir I go,
And ye shall come after me.
When the servants of Sauron are cleaned from this land
Then shall I hold your oaths met.
And ye shall have peace, and forever depart.
Back to the paths of the dead!"