The little mine cart slowly came to a stop before a stone platform.
A goblin stood on the platform, wearing a uniform much like the driver's, but with a copper-colored bracelet around his arm.
In the dim mine tunnel, the bracelet gave off a faint, almost invisible red glow—the exact same glow as the Collar around the Norwegian Ridgeback's neck.
Will's Wizard's Eye could pick up that glow without him deliberately activating it. It was a trace of ancient Magic.
"Where are they going?" the goblin asked.
"Vault Twelve," the goblin driver said.
The goblin on the platform glanced at Professor Fig and DePty, his gaze lingering on them for a few seconds before he nodded. The driver continued on, explaining as he went, "He's a guard. He guards the deepest parts of Gringotts."
DePty whispered to Fig. Will did not try to listen, since the wind was too loud. A few minutes later, the cart finally stopped.
This place looked like a platform. A huge metal door stood in the stone wall a short distance away.
"Follow me." The goblin hopped onto the platform, then turned and walked toward the vault door at its far end.
DePty and Professor Fig followed him out of the cart. Will trailed behind them.
The metal door was heavy, at least half a foot thick, and its surface was covered in intricate Magic patterns. The goblin on the platform took a key from his waist and inserted it into the keyhole. With a low rumble, the door slowly swung inward.
The vault was tiny.
Beyond the door lay a very small room, perhaps only half the size of an ordinary house's living room.
All four walls were rough stone, with no windows, and even the floor was uneven rock. There were some light