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After the departure of Gandalf, the rest of the company rode with the Rohirrim back to Edoras. There they wanted to wait for the muster of Rohan. They stopped at Helm's Deep and made a small rest. There Merry offered his services to Théoden and became an esquire of Rohan. Back in Edoras they met new unexpected guests. Aragorn's kindred, the few remaining Dunedain of the north, had come to help their leader. Now war was near at hand and Aragorn had to hasten for Minas Tirith, but he had another task to do first. His way lay on the Paths of the Dead. An ancient passage through the white mountains which led directly to Gondor. Aragorn and his Company had to take this road for tasks they wont name. Gimli and Legolas also rode with them and also the sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir. Merry, who was one of the Rohirrim now had to remain at Théoden's side.
The Company passed the gate to the Paths of the Dead and entered the dark tunnel under the white mountains. From there they rode on to the stone of Erech and after passing the tunnel they felt someone ore something follow them. They were followed by the dead, and at the stonepillar of Erech, Aragorn reminded them on their oath of old, which they had not fulfilled, to help the king in the war against the dark land. So the grey company passed by the lands and moved towards the east to Mordor, and anyone who saw them, trembled in fear.
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