In the Shadow of A King Volume 1

By Yani Payne

Alexander “Les” Freeman leads a group of elite warriors known as The Shadows in a clandestine war against the tyrannical Government One - born of an ancient order that has grown over centuries and now controls most of the nations.

Only the United States and China refuse to join the new world order. Following the corruption and brutality of the last years, the US economy has fallen and the people of the nation live on in a state of accepted suppression. Despite the inner machinations of the G-1, an independent president wins the presidential election just as the world's leading technology company and the U.S. Government are developing a devastating orbital weapon system that will guarantee their dominance.

With the help of Isabella Zhi Li, Les and his Shadows are tangled in a relentless web of sophisticated global terror against Government One. However, Les’ inner battle rages as violently as the war he is fighting. His nightmares haunt him, threatening to destroy the fight for freedom and future of mankind that is on the brink of annihilation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yani Payne
• Release date: Mar 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311032911

Yani Payne

Yani M Payne is proud father before anything else. The son of a naturalized US citizen and research scientist and an American climate scientist and veteran. Yani's siblings have also found great success and joy in their scientific careers and while Yani enjoys and appreciates the study and intricacies of scientific disciplines, his passion is writing and filmmaking. An INFJ, Yani has always had a unique way of viewing things and has always been more drawn to exploring unquantifiable human emotion. He’s always wanted to find a way to connect with people and society and use his voice to promote awareness of issues that seem to get dusted under the rug and that people often shy away from.

Book preview

Editor’s note

From King Arthur’s Lancelot to In The Shadow of a King’s Les Freeman, I love heroes who fight to right the injustices of the world. Those characters become even greater when they are flawed. This is the stuff of a notable Greek Tragedy.

Editing this book wasn’t a job. It was an adventure.

While battling his own nightmares, Les Freeman is the hero of a dystopian world who fights a corrupt government hellbent on creating the One World Order, G-1. Les wages his global, clandestine battle with Isabella and a skilled team of warriors known as The Shadows fighting alongside him. 

Les’ father, Ryan Freeman, leads another team of warriors who oppose the Shadows. Or maybe not. 

The book offers diverse characters, plenty of twists and an intricate plot so it’s always fun to see where the adventure takes us and who leads us there.

The World Order is in fact thousands of years old. In The Shadow of a King is a history lesson, a Greek Tragedy, a Jackie Chan movie, The Manchurian Candidate, and The Hunger Games all mixed into an action-packed story.

From the beginning of the book to the end, it’s clear that an awakened generation emerges when anarchy replaces complacency. This is the first book in what promises to be a significant series that challenges us to wake up.

Table Of Contents

Editor’s note

Table Of Contents

Episode 0

10:00 p.m. - July 19 - World Court, The Hague, a city in the Netherlands

12:00 pm - July 20 - Engulf Technologies Tower, Miami, FL, U.S.A.

11:30 p.m. - Former site of the World Court, The Hague, a city in the Netherlands

3:45 pm - Newsroom - Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

9:38 p.m. - Engulf Technologies Tower - Miami, FL

Episode I

7:00 p.m. - TV Studio July 11 - Miami, FL

9:00 pm - July 11 - Miami, FL

12 - noon - July 12 - Miami suburb

6:45 p.m. - July 12 - Miami, FL

9:30 p.m. - Miami suburb

Episode II

01:00 a.m. - July 13 - Somewhere in Europe

04:25 a.m. - July 13 - Somewhere in Europe

12:45 p.m. - July 13 - Miami, FL

2:00 p.m. - July 13 - Miami, FL

6:00 p.m. - July 13 - Berlin, Germany

8:00 p.m. - July 13 - Miami, FL

02:50 a.m. - July 14 - Miami, FL

04:45am - July 14 - Somewhere in Northern Europe

Episode III

8:00 a.m. - July 14 - Miami, FL

10:00 a.m. - July 14 - outskirts of The Hague

11:30 a.m. - July 14 - Miami, FL

8:00 p.m. - July 14 - Monte Carlo, Monaco

10:00 pm - July 14 - Beijing, China

2:00 p.m. - July 14 - Miami, FL

1:00 a.m. - July 15 - Taiwan

10:30 p.m. - July 14 - Somewhere in FL

Episode IV

8:00 a.m. - July 15 - Miami, FL

4:00 p.m. - July 15 - Southern Europe

6:45 p.m. - July 15 - Somewhere in Far Eastern Europe

10:00 a.m. - July 16 - Government One Headquarters, The Hague

8:45 a.m. - July 16 - SDRPA headquarters, FL branch

1:00 p.m. - July 16 - Miami, FL

9:00 p.m. - July 16 - Somewhere in Europe

5:50 p.m. - TV Studio July 16 - Miami, FL

8:30 p.m. - July 16 - The Hague

11:56 p.m. - July 16 - Prague

Episode V

03:40 a.m. - July 17 - Outside The Hague

12:30pm - July 17 - Madrid, Spain

12:30 p.m. - July 17 - Miami, FL

6:46 p.m. - July 17 - Barcelona, Spain

11:45 p.m. - July 17 - Eastern Spain

12:00 a.m. - July 18 - Somewhere over Europe

1:25am - July 18 - Approaching The Hague

2:48 a.m. - July 18 - Franco-Spanish border

Episode VI

7:00 a.m. - July 18 - Somewhere in Europe

9:42 a.m. - July 18 - Outside The Hague

12:00 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

12:43 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

6:26 a.m. - July 18 - Miami, FL

3:00pm - July 18 - The Hague

7:00 a.m. - July 18 - Miami

03:28 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

4:00 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

5:00 p.m. (European time) - July 18 - Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean

5:22pm - July 18 - The Hague

5:30 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

5:56 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

Episode VII

9:00 pm - July 18 - The Hague

3:45 p.m. - July 18 - Miami, FL

10:15 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

11:00 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

11:45 p.m. - July 18 - The Hague

12:00 a.m. - July 19 - The Hague

12:35 a.m. - July 19 - The Hague

12:39 a.m. - July 19 - The Hague

1:10 a.m. - July 19 - The Docks

1:10 a.m. - July 19 - Crowne Plaza Promenade

6:45 p.m. - July 18 - Miami, FL

7:48 p.m. - July 18 - Miami, FL

1:45am - July 19 - The Hague

2:00 a.m. - July 19 - The Hague

8:02 p.m. - July 18 - Miami, FL

2:16 a.m. - July 19 - Councilman Rivas’ Holland Estate

2:28 a.m. - July 19 - The Hague

Episode VIII

9:30 p.m. - July 18 - Miami, FL

3:30 a.m. - July 19 - The North Sea

9:30 p.m. - July 18 - Miami, FL

3:45 a.m. - July 19 - The Hague

4:00 a.m. - July 19 - The North Sea

Thirty seconds earlier:

10:00 a.m. - July 20 - China

12:07 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

12:08 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

Episode IX

8:00 a.m. - July 19 - Amsterdam International Airport

8:08 a.m. - July 19 - The Hague

8:11 a.m. - July 19 - Azores

2:30 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

8:43 a.m. - July 19 - Just off the Portuguese coast

2:58 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

3:20 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

Episode X

5:44 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

8:01 a.m. - July 19 - Atlanta, GA

9:14 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

9:29am - July 19 - Outside Wilmington, NC

3:29 p.m. - July 19 - The Hague

9:37am - July 19 - Wilmington, NC

9:35 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

9:48 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

10:30 a.m. - July 19 - Wilmington, NC

11:00 a.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

3:41 p.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

3:48 p.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL ----- 9:48 p.m - July 19 -The Hague

3:55 p.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL

3:58 p.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL ----- 9:58 p.m. - July 19 - The Hague

4:02 p.m. - July 19 - Miami, FL ----- 10:02pm - July 19 - The Hague

6:03 p.m. - July 19 - Somewhere in the Atlantic

Author’s Note

Author’s Bio

Episode 0

10:00 p.m. - July 19 - World Court, The Hague, a city in the Netherlands

An American reporter sips a cup of lukewarm coffee as a production assistant hands over a microphone. The cinematographer adjusts his camera. The European news helicopter jerks a bit and coffee dribbles on the reporter’s chin. He grumbles as the tech raises her hand. Five, four, three, two …

Authorities here in the Government One Capitol City are still unsure what caused last night’s power failure. At present, they are refusing to comment on any possible explanations.

The helicopter continues flying low over the partially-lit city of more than a half-million people, which is still recovering from a massive blackout the night before. The journalist pauses briefly to stifle a yawn before continuing.

The U.S. President and Secretary of State, who arrived yesterday to discuss the capture of two intelligence operatives, were moved to secure locations during the blackout. The hearings are still set for tomorrow. Government One Secretary General Koenig has also refused to comment on the great European black out last ni—Ohhh! His body suddenly jerks forward. The seatbelt digs into his chest as the helicopter jerks violently.

Suddenly wide awake, the reporter looks out the window as the chopper pilot works to steady the craft when a massive fireball rises from what was the World Court and Government One’s central headquarters.

My dear God folks! This is terrible. The entire building has been vaporized in one fell swoop. Can you see this? There is. There is nothing left. It’s all gone. I’ve never---oh… We’re going to stay with you and continue to bring you all the live coverage we can. This is just… Oh.

Below, the remains of the World Court and Government One’s central headquarters crumbles into a sea of blazing embers as rubble continues to fall from the sky onto the streets.

As the smoldering city below lies as silent as a corpse, the only sound is the distant beating of the helicopter’s blades.

A low fire begins burning from a small paper bag. The bag turns to ash revealing a small plastic tube and a cell phone. As they melt away, the light from the flames dance up on a mysterious woman. Although the flickering illuminates her figure, her face remains hidden under her dark hood.

Here, Dad! Throw me the ball, shouts a playful, six year old boy.

His father laughs and raises his arm to pitch.

Okay. he asks. Here it comes, and softly tosses the ball.

The boy plants both feet firmly on the ground. He smacks his glove lightly to prepare it for the catch.

Suddenly, as the ball lands in his glove, he is no longer a six year old boy. He is now 16-years-old and holding a pair of pruning shears. The teenager looks at the shears and then curiously at his father.

Les, his father calls to him. Les, come here and listen closely. Hoshi has much to teach you before you can be trained properly. Gardening actually is important, kiddo.

The boy looks past his dad and sees a 40-something Japanese man smiling the patient smile of an erudite teacher.

As Les begins to walk toward the Japanese man, everything flashes white as the horrid, gnawing sound of the alarm clock jars him awake. As he reaches to shut off the alarm, he realizes that it isn’t really going off.

Damn it, Les mumbles to no one but himself. He’s not that 6-year-old cheery kid. He’s 30 and he’s tired. This damn insomnia has to stop. Son of a bitch! He rolls over and tries to fall back asleep.

12:00 pm - July 20 - Engulf Technologies Tower, Miami, FL, U.S.A.

Julianne Freeman stands, a classic blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty, faking that completely secure look, and doing a damn fine job.

She adjusts the microphone and continues speaking as the hungry pool of press circle in front of her. They listen attentively as she explains the newest security system developed for the U.S. Government.

She delivers the company’s PR message with the ease of a spider spinning a web, but this time it seems different. Something gnaws gently at her gut. Knowing what she is selling to the world, she can’t help feeling increasingly uneasy. The feeling grows within her so much so that she feels as if she might make a mistake and tell the reporters the truth about the new security program. That’s the message she won’t be delivering today.

Mrs. Freeman! Mrs. Freeman! The reporters shout to her. She ignores them as she hands the press conference over to her assistant. Then she hastily makes her way out of the room.

She looks in the mirror as she sits in her shiny, silver, Mercedes CLS.Oh God, Julianne. What’ve you done? She asks herself staring deep into clear blue eyes that can’t seem to find an answer.

Can this really be right? She hesitates then flips up the car’s visor.Julianne Freeman starts her car feeling the pure joy of leaving that place. All of her troubles go away -- at least for a time.

11:30 p.m. - Former site of the World Court, The Hague, a city in the Netherlands

G-1 soldiers, Interpol agents, and emergency rescue and clean-up crews sift through the ashes and rubble looking for any survivors or clues to the violent explosion the day before.

An Interpol agent’s eyes land on debris, on body parts, on ashes, devastation, and broken dreams. He bends down to examine something closer.

Hey! Over here! Look at this! The Interpol agent shouts.

Quickly, two more agents rush over to see.

Let me see that, one of the agents says with an air of superiority.

The agent hands a card over to his superior, a man in a gray suit. In fact, both men that rushed over are mirror images of each other. Each wears a dark gray suit, a blue shirt with a white collar, and wears a deep blue tie, knotted tightly at the neck.

Do you know what that is, Sir? The young agent asks curiously.

The ranking Interpol agent studies the card as he turns it over in his hands. The young agent wonders if he heard his question. He waits.

Yes he finally answers. The Shadows.

His eyes turn to his partner and the young agent is forgotten as a knowing look passes between them.

We’d best inform them.

The agents nod to each other and immediately turn to call it in.

3:45 pm - Newsroom - Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

This just in, the television anchor reports anxiously. "We’ve just received word of a possible calling card that may have been left behind by the terrorists responsible for the World Court’s destruction.

Interpol agents on the site discovered their mark just minutes ago while sifting through the debris. The group that authorities believe is responsible for the bombing call themselves The Shadows, the well-known anchorman says as he adjusts some papers that seem crucial to his report.

We’ll update you further as soon as we know more, he continues in the smooth, deep voice that has gained the trust of his public. "Anyone with information regarding these terrorists are required to call your local military or police authority.

In a few seconds, you’ll see the symbol that is believed to be the mark of the Shadows, the newsman beseeches his audience, if you have any information regarding these terrorists call an authority immediately. Here is the symbol found at the site.



9:38 p.m. - Engulf Technologies Tower - Miami, FL

High on the rooftop of the Engulf Tower, two black figures prepare to enter the building. Their faces are covered with nightmarish, futuristic, skull-like masks. Their eyes burn a faint blood red.

One nods to the other. And they begin their entry.

Episode I

7:00 p.m. - TV Studio July 11 - Miami, FL

Thank you for joining us this evening, and remember, if it’s happening in the world, The Roundtable is discussing it, the television host smiles, speaking directly to the camera.

A few seconds later, the lights go out on set. Studio Director Ted Patton looks pleased.

That’s a wrap, everyone, Ted tells the talent and crew. Great job tonight, folks. Now get on out of here. Ted’s got a million things to do and walks off already thinking about what’s next.

The five people around the news table stand and shake hands warmly before they leave the set. The two older men at the table walk out of the room first, followed by the host and this week's celebrity guest.

The last to leave the room is a young man. Alexander Freeman is 5'10" but seems bigger than that as he leaves the stage. His black suit fits his buff frame in a sophisticated yet inviting way. His large brown eyes are almost innocent and bespeak his unassuming manner. Yet there is something mysterious, almost dark beneath the surface, as if a terrible secret lurks there. One that perhaps even he can’t see.

On his way out, Ted Patton peeks out his office door.Les, can I talk to you for a minute?

Alexander Freeman stops. Sure, Ted. What’s up?

The two men walk into the Ted’s office. Have a seat, Les, Ted tells the young man.

As Les sits in the big, brown, leather chair, he half-jokingly asks, Am I in trouble or something? I mean, usually, you won’t sit me down to have a talk unless you have a problem with something I said or did.

Ted takes a seat in the large, executive chair behind his desk. He picks up some papers and hands them to Les.

Les takes the papers and studies them. Slowly, a smile begins to spread across his face.

This can't possibly be for real, Les says as he shuffles the papers back and forth. The studio doesn't even pay their top anchors this much and they do hundreds of episodes a year. I do what? Fifty or so?

Thirty nine. You record thirty nine episodes, per year. That’s how many you do.

Les looks at Ted incredulously. Ted gives Les a moment to digest what he’s reading.

Ted, honestly, this is crazy. I'm only on a few times a month, Les continues. Jesus... Two point four million per appearance?! Shit! He hesitates. I don’t know, man. This makes no sense.

Ted spins his computer monitor around to face Les.

It’s all right here, Ted tells him. The ratings reports say it all. The people absolutely love you. So much so, that the studio will do whatever they can to get you in here more often.

Les scans the computer screen. Ted points to a graph.

Our ratings go way up every time you're on, Les, and in this day of streaming and Social Media, we are still able sell more expensive ad time. Not in all my years have I seen rating spikes like this since you started coming on last January. Let’s be honest. Nobody’s tuning in to the television anymore. Everyone gets their news through social media and whatever quick fix they can get on their phones. But when you’re on the show … people tune in.

Les looks at the computer screen. I mean … I’m flattered, he says. I know you guys really can’t stand what I have to say, so you can imagine why I’m having a little difficulty believing this.

Les turns his attention from the screen to look pointedly at Ted.

That’s a big price tag, Les comments. What’s the catch?

They ask only that you appear when asked and without question, even if it’s via satellite, Ted answers. They want you on the camera.

Ted looks at Les very sincerely and lays his hands open on the large desk.

Lord knows we’ve had pretty people on here before, Ted begins, but not too many of them have the intellect and experience and connection to the viewers that you do. Nobody, on any network, lights a fire with our guests and our audience like you.

Ted flashes his convincing smile that seems to reach almost all the way up to his greying temples. I like you, Kid. I always have. And how many times have I come down on you for the questions you’ve asked live on air? But the powers that be can’t deny the ratings or your value.

Les sits back, cupping his chin in his hand as he considers everything. Ted sums it up neatly. We need you.

Les looks over the contract in his hands, at the computer screen again, then at his boss. Finally he locks up his jaws and grinds his teeth.

Ted puts his hands together, intertwining his fingers as he waits for Les’ answer.

I want to do this, Ted, Les finally says. But I can't be at their beck and call. I use my time to gain world experience and better myself. That means that sometimes, I’ll be in places where I can’t be near a camera without destroying whatever I’m in the middle of.

Ted shifts uncomfortably in his chair as Les continues.

How ‘bout this? Les says as if he’s throwing a dog a bone. How about I give you every other month, on call, from anywhere? However, on my in-between time, I don’t exist. In addition, by on call, I mean, the entire month. You guys can get me whenever you need me.

Ted’s not used to chasing bones. He’s the one who throws them. In disbelief, he watches Les’ determined jaw bob up and down as he speaks.

That’s the best I can do, Les says. If it means I don’t get this contract, then so be it. But I can’t be available all the time.

Ted unlocks his hands and uses them to emphasize his words. Why not? The company’s throwing more money at you than I’ve ever seen and you act as if you don’t care, he grumbles as he points a finger at Les. There are people everywhere who’d kill for an opportunity like this!

Then let them kill for it, Les responds.

Ted plants both hands on his desk and stands in frustration. He walks quickly over to his mini-bar and pours himself a drink.

Les cranes his head around to watch Ted a moment. I don’t do this show for the money, Ted. I do it so I can talk to the people of this country. So I can take their calls, read their DM’s and tweets, and discuss important things in the last real public forum.

Les twists his whole body around to face Ted as he finishes his drink.

It’s the only place left for us to talk without the fear of being called a terrorist and the other freedom raping bills that passed after the PATRIOT ACT, Les explains. "In the last few years, who hasn’t lost someone to that shit? I’m not going to sit back and let the remnants of the Bush Dynasty, nor Obama’s, Trump’s, nor any other administration, regardless of their parties, continue to exercise their will over this country without at least using my voice to speak up… and raising up and supporting others who need their voices heard, too. Even if I disagree with them Les pauses for a moment. I can’t do what your bosses want me to do."

Ted makes another drink.

I have too many things to do other than being their little ratings-collecting, ad-selling, camera whore. Les says. You can accept my terms, or keep things the same as they are now, or you can let me go. The call is yours, — actually, Les says looking over the papers still in his hand.

Les stands, still looking at the papers.

I’ll take this home tonight, he rolls up the contract and shakes it at his boss. When I get around to it, I’ll make the adjustments I think should be made. When I’m done, I’ll bring it back, and maybe we can discuss it again. I gotta go, Ted.

Totally frustrated, Les walks out of the room, passing a bewildered, indignant Ted on his way.

Les steps into the hallway and closes the door behind him as a beautiful, blonde woman approaches.

Hey you, she says. We’re still on for dinner, right?

Les smiles and walks towards her.

Absolutely, Sweetie, Les answers. I’ll meet you at my car in 10 minutes. She smiles and walks away, while Les continues in the opposite direction.

9:00 pm - July 11 - Miami, FL

The attractive, young couple leaves one of Miami’s finest restaurants just as the valet pulls up with Les' custom restored, black 1967 Pontiac GTO. Les opens the passenger door for his date, Reese, who gets in. As Les closes her door, the valet approaches to trade the keys for a hefty tip before Les climbs into the drivers seat.

The valet walks away as Les turns over the engine.

How come you didn’t take the Caddy tonight? Reese asks as she smooths her skirt.

Wasn’t in the mood, Les answers. I love that car, but there’s something primal about this one. It used to be my dad’s, you know. He let it fall apart because he was always away on some assignment. So, I took it and fixed it up. Now, she’s my baby. Just listen to her.

Les presses the window button. As Reese’s window slides down, she hears the deep, throaty burble of the old Pontiac 455.

Les looks at her and chuckles softly as a strange, nervous look crosses her face.

Don't worry, babe. She doesn’t bite, he says shifting the old manual shifter into first gear. That’s just the sound of 540 horses waiting for me to let ‘em out of their stable.

She smiles at him and says, You’re so cute … the way you talk about things.

She leans over and kisses him on the cheek as he pulls away from the elegant Miami restaurant.

The GTO roars softly through the streets as the couple within rides contently in the night.

Finally the black car pulls into a large, multilevel, parking garage.

Reese leans back and turns her head to Les.

I’m so lucky, she says. I mean look at you. Successful, smart, handsome and rich. How did I manage to land you?

Les says nothing as he pulls in next to a black Cadillac sports coupe and a matching black Hummer