Soldier of Industry: Sam’s Valor, #3

By Eli Taff, Jr.

Embark on an epic journey with Sam Chudwell in "Soldier of Industry," Book 3 of the gripping Sam's Valor series.
 

As Sam navigates the sprawling steampunk city of Mechanopolis, the echoes of his past intertwine with the haunting memories of war.
 

Struggling to reconcile the boy he once was with the hardened soldier he has become, Sam faces emotional turbulence that threatens to shatter his resolve.

 

Meanwhile, outside forces conspire to bring down this new hero of Pofreylia, and Sam will need to keep his wits about him if he hopes to leave Mechanopolis alive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eli Taff, Jr.
• Release date: Nov 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223972846

Eli Taff, Jr.

Eli Taff, Jr. is an author in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror genres. All his life, he’s lived through fiction, being a stage actor and director, as well as a lifelong video game player and miniatures wargamer.  He lives in California with his wife, Chelsey, and their two Pekingese pups and Parrotlet.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Sam took a big bite of the egg salad sandwich his mother had packed for him.

He closed his eyes and chewed with a contented smile on his face.

The midday sunlight shone through the leaves of the old oak tree under which Sam reclined. Its warm rays lit upon his smooth cheeks and unblemished, cherubic face.

A soft breeze rustled the leaves, and wild birds sang and caroused overhead.

In the distance, the ancient and towering buildings of Willowdale’s Institute for Boys loomed, each gothic spire a testament to the aesthetic beauty of the hallowed institution.

What a life, Sam thought.

Are you lads packed yet? Nikolas asked as he bit into a crisp stick of celery.

Packed? Arlo laughed as he scooped vanilla pudding from a can. What are you on about? Graduation isn’t for another month!

Not a lot of time, old boy, Nikolas held up his celery stick as a professor would hold up a pointer. Not a lot of time at all! One month will be here and gone before you know it!

One more month, Sam grinned.

Watching all the pretty girls stroll past Ivy’s or La Belle Epoque, Arlo sighed.

Taking in the vidreels at the CineMechanica, Sam said. Whoever imagined we’d be leaving? I to Mechanopolis, Arlo to Aetherholm, Nikolas to Ironhaven.

Only for a bit, Arlo said. I couldn’t leave Willowdale forever. Uncle Dougie wants me to take over the shop soon.

Mother would have conniptions if I told her I’d be late returning, Nikolas agreed. Once I get my master’s certification, I will return immediately and join father at Büro Headquarters.

Don’t worry, old man, Arlo put his arm around Nikolas’ shoulder. I’ll watch over Penny until you come back.

You stay the hell away from my sister!

The boys laughed.

Sam looked up at the clouds as they drifted lazily by.

I’m not coming back, he said.

Arlo’s smile faded.

Sam, he said. Not this again.

Sam shrugged his shoulders.

Lottie and I-

Nikolas booed loudly.

Arlo blew a raspberry.

Nooo! Arlo groaned. Sam!

Listen- Sam started.

Rubbish, Nikolas said. "Utter rubbish.

We’ve worked it out, Sam finished. She’s better now, I’m telling you.

I thought you two called it quits, Nikolas said. I believed you, Sam.

It’s the older woman thing, Arlo said. He likes being mothered; can’t get enough of it.

She’s only a year older than us, Nikolas said.

Arlo shrugged.

Loose Lottie knows she’s got her claws into him-

Don’t call her that, Sam said sternly.

You called her that! Arlo threw up his arms. I swear, Nick, it’s like he has no memory whatsoever.

Listen, I’ve got the scholarship, Sam said. Lottie’s at Mechanopolis already. It makes sense. She said she was sorry, all right? I believe her.

Of course you do, Nikolas said. You’re both actors. She’s acting, Sam.

She’s been stringing you along like a puppy since sophomore year, Arlo said.

"Clockwork Hearts," Nikolas nodded.

We’re going to Maplewood, Sam said. "Or at least, she’s going to wait for me to graduate, then we’re