The Grip of Fever

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Robin's exhaustion began to morph into a burning fever. He had been trying to shake off the fatigue, but it seemed to be gaining strength, infecting his entire body. At first, it was just a slight tickle in the back of his throat, but soon his head began to spin and his muscles ached with a dull, throbbing pain. Tuck and John noticed the change in him immediately. "Robin, you okay, mate?" Tuck asked, concern etched on his face. Robin tried to nod, but his head felt like it was spinning. He stumbled, and Tuck quickly caught him, holding him upright. "Easy, Robin, let's get you to sit down," Tuck said, guiding him to a nearby tree. John quickly rummaged through their first aid kit, pulling out a thermometer and some painkillers. "We need to get your temperature down," John said, his voice firm but worried. As the day wore on, Robin's fever only grew higher. He began to shiver and sweat, his body trembling with cold and heat at the same time. Tuck and John took turns trying to keep him cool, using their jackets and shirts to wipe away the sweat. But despite their best efforts, Robin's condition only worsened. He became delirious, mumbling incoherent words and thrashing about. Tuck and John exchanged worried glances, knowing they had to get him to a safe place soon. As the sun began to set, Robin's body finally gave out. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Tuck and John quickly sprang into action, laying him down on a makeshift bed of leaves and furs. "We need to get him to a sheltered spot," Tuck said, his voice urgent. "We can't leave him out here in the open." John nodded, and together they carefully lifted Robin and began to move him to a nearby cave. The entrance was narrow, but it provided some protection from the elements and any potential threats. As they settled Robin into the cave, Tuck felt his forehead, his face grim. "He's burning up," he said. "We need to get his fever down, and fast." John nodded, pulling out some more painkillers and mixing them with water from their canteens. They worked together to try and bring Robin's temperature down, their movements swift and efficient. As night began to fall, Tuck and John sat beside Robin, watching over him as he slept fitfully. They took turns checking his temperature and making sure he was comfortable, their faces lit only by the faint moonlight filtering through the cave entrance. Despite their best efforts, Robin's fever raged on, threatening to consume him whole. But with Tuck and John by his side, he was not alone, and they vowed to do everything in their power to help him through this ordeal.