A short fiction piece

BY BOWDEN WILKE
6th grade, NCSS
The Civil War was going on and there was a 12-year-old boy named Draco who was the son of a slave owner who was in jail. So at twelve years old he lived alone. Everyone laughed at him or said he was a worthless slave driver. Neighbors said he should run away. One day he found a wolf pup injured in the woods so he decided to take care of it. He wrapped it in a towel, gave it food and tended to its wounds. Three days later he set it free, but it wouldn’t go. It chased after him. Everywhere he went the wolf would follow. He decided to keep him and he named him Chase.
Two years passed.
“Hey boy,” said Draco. “One day I will prove I’m not a worthless slave driver. You know what, I’m going to join the Army & serve honorably for my country, that’ll show ‘em.”
Chase barked in approval. “Thanks boy, you’re my best friend and no matter what, I will NEVER leave you,” announced Draco. “G’night, Chase.” Chase barked back as if to say good night.
Washington
After a long journey they finally reached Washington where they planned to sign up for the war. Then Draco and Chase headed to the sign-up booth, but as they did they saw a Lieutenant. Then they moved in front of the lieutenant and saluted him. Chase tried to salute as well but did a paw shake instead. The lieutenant laughed and said, “What squadron are you two in?”
“We’re signing up to be in one actually,” replied Draco.
The lieutenant said, “Well follow me then,” and Drako signed up as a drummer boy and was sent to his mess (that’s another word for squadron).
Draco’s first battle
As soon as they stopped they got out and Chase ran off so they made a trench with the end of their rifles and made some bacon, “Hey why are you even carrying raw bacon!” Brian said.
Jake responded, “Hey it’s okay to eat raw bacon… if you have the stomach for it!”
“No it’s not!” Brian argued.
“Yes it is!” Jake said.
“No it’s no…”
“Stop it! You’re acting like children,” Nick interrupted. “I mean seriously-how childish can you two get?”
“Fine. Someone give me their canteen so I can blow it up.” Brian said. Draco was about to hand over his canteen when Nick handed Brian his.
“Here. Use mine instead.” Nick said with a hinting voice. ”Keep your canteen Draco, you’ll need it later.” Then…BOOM! Draco thought there was a cannon fired but then realized it was Nick’s canteen exploding into pieces. Then, Chase came back with a rabbit in his jaws and nudged Draco softly. Draco ate the bacon with the rabbit meat Chase got. He was in the Army serving his country proudly. Next, they were called into battle. He then understood what the other guys meant about an elephant. Draco felt like an elephant was standing on him, this was war, not some fairy tale. He was having second thoughts about signing up, but he couldn’t leave. That would be deserting, so he ran in and started drumming. Everyone was watching. He wasn’t worthless, not anymore.