The Paths of the Dead are the result of a broken promise and a curse, described in "The Passing of the Grey Company" in RotK. The lovely thing about fantasy and "Faerie," as Tolkien loved to call it, is that the writer can make anything happen that he desires, and so here it seems perfectly straightforward that the curse Isildur laid on the King and the Men of the Mountains when they broke their solemn vow should result in their being trapped, as it were, in waiting to fulfill their vow before going to wherever Men go at death. I think Tolkien believed firmly in right and wrong, cause and effect, and when the Men broke their promise, there was a far-reaching effect. I don't know whether this helps you at all; I am mostly rambling in my own thoughts. I cannot wait for this scene in the upcoming movie.
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Then came there from the south of the city the people of the Fountain, and Ecthelion was their lord, and silver and diamonds were their delight; and swords very long and bright and pale did they wield . . .
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