'Listen well to my tale of woe. Long ago, my shield-brother and I swore to defend Arthedain against the Witch-realm of Angmar. But when battle came, we thought of our families and did not join the vanguard. The tide of war turned against us, and we were slain in the rout that followed. As oath-breakers, our shades lingered and fell under the sway of evil wights.

'My wight-master was recently destroyed by...by a Power, and your finding of the ring has helped me further. But to be truly free of the torments of this shadow-realm, I must see my shield-brother freed of his bonds as well.

'Please, take this ring and search the mounds in the north of the Barrow-downs. I believe I can use the ring to guide thee.'