Descent into Darkness
A Guardians Legacy Companion Story
Cast out by her family and having fled across the sea, a young dark elf seeks refuge on the island of Asy’mitha to study under the renowned sorcerer Master Anar. But after establishing a home for herself and pledging devotion to the Goddess of Life, Kaylah’s world is upended as an elven civil war erupts. When her island is invaded, she’s faced with an impossible choice: Remain steadfast in her beliefs or save those around her from annihilation by embracing the darkness she always reviled.
"F*ck yes! Finally a great story with a necromancer! And love the characters. I would not want to land on Kaylah's bad side, but if I did, at least I know she'd kill me in a really cool blue fireball. Overall, excellent dark fantasy with lots of horror and some great dark humor."
"I love Kaylah! Her sarcasm isn't just in her quips, but it also carries into the descriptions and makes me laugh. And this story excels at battle and fight sequences! I could see the battles in my head. The stakes were high. Suspense on point."
"What a wild ride this one was. Terrific world building too: the terra burned, the masonry scorched, the sea bleak.
I have to admit, I'm not usually one to read prologues front to back. But this prologue was a beast. Had me there the whole ride. A great short story in its own right, and a brilliant original laid out in a way that, to be honest, taught me what a prologue could be.
I mean, this guy can pen a seriously badass bad dude!!
​"What I appreciated most was that the book was not dark just for the sake of being dark. There is brutality, magic, war, betrayal, and some genuinely grim moments, but underneath all of that is a very human story about faith, rejection, loyalty, and survival.
Kaylah's journey stood out to me because she is not written as some perfect hero. She is wounded, stubborn, powerful, angry, and still trying to hold onto something good in a world that keeps forcing darkness onto her."
Available for purchase at Amazon
Kindle
Paperback
Audiobook (Coming Fall 2026)
A.M. Symes
Editor
Dagan Boyd
Chapter Artist
Matthew Jacobs
Audio Book Narrator
Jayne Carlson
Editor
Jesse D'Angelo
Cover Artist
Descent Into Darkness is dedicated to:
Richard and Vida Kaczmarek
Thank you for a lifetime of love and support.
I'd like to express a personal thank you to:
AM Symes – Your creative feedback and exceptional editing didn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for breathing life into this “summer project.”
Faith Eggleston – My munchkin, keep being you.
Jane Carlson – Thank you to the grammar guru who spotted my typos from thirty paces away and slapped some spit and polish on the story’s rough edges.
Kasey Lackey – I cannot thank my Best Woman enough for the countless hours you spent on the phone giving me amazing feedback to help the next chapter of my life have a chance at success.
Matthew Jacobs – I hate you… I really really really hate you. But, you’re awesome. This story would not have happened without you asking that one simple question… That ruined my summer.
Phoebe Kotliar – “I don’t want to change your story, I’m just going to rearrange a few things.” And just like a box of Legos, that is what you did. When you got done, it was amazing. Thank you for having the courage to tell it like it is!
The Ink-Stained Collective – To my writer’s group. I look forward to events because each time, I walk away a better person. Thank you for bringing your “Brutal Love” and constructive criticism to every session so that we each sharpen the skills of those around us.
AI Disclaimer: Kirk Eggleston does not use AI in the writing, or development, of his stories. He enjoys all aspects of story arc creation (except proofreading, he loathes that part) and prefers to utilize loved ones who support him for assistance. He does his best to never knowingly use artwork or editing services where AI is used and appreciates notification to assist him in achieving those goals. He is NOT an AI expert and appreciates assistance from those more knowledgeable than himself.