Gold Horn shuddered.
He stood rooted to the spot, as if struck by lightning, utterly motionless.
Silver Horn held Copper Horn in his arms, his arms trembling.
He looked at Gold Horn, the shock in his eyes slowly turning to fear.
"Brother..."
His voice shook. "What's going on?"
Gold Horn did not answer.
He lowered his head, his eyes downcast, his expression hidden.
Silver Horn's voice trembled even harder:
"You... you planned this all along? Sending our little sister to lure them away-what were you thinking?"
Copper Horn lifted her head in Silver Horn's arms and looked at Gold Horn through tear-blurred eyes.
"Big brother?" she called softly.
Gold Horn still did not answer.
Another muffled crash came from outside the cave.
Silver Horn's breathing grew heavier. He set Copper Horn down and took a step forward.
"Brother, say something."
Gold Horn clenched his hands, released them, then clenched them again.
"I knew the Pilgrims would never hurt our little sister."
His voice was very low, as though forced out through his throat.
"With you chasing behind them, they were bound to believe her."
"All she had to do was lead them to Dragon-Pressing Mountain to meet Mother. I had everything planned."
He raised his head, his eyes reddening.
"But none of you followed my plan. Every single step went wrong."
His voice began to shake.
"If you'd just followed my plan, our family would never have had to part again."
He stared at Silver Horn, then looked at Copper Horn, his eyes bloodshot.
"Why wouldn't any of you listen to me!"
Silver Horn's breathing grew ragged as he demanded:
"Mother?... why meet Mother?"
Gold Horn said nothing.
Silver Horn stepped forward and seized his collar.
"Brother! Say something!"
Gold Horn swayed under his shaking, but still said nothing.
Silver