Sergei Lobanov is the son of a Soviet officer whose childhood took place at a border outpost in the Pamir Mountains. There he found loyal friends and, together with them, learned a secret combat art. And when his comrades are in trouble, he rushes to help them. Fleeing pursuit, they pass through a time-spanning portal into the year 117—into the era of the Roman emperor Hadrian. The fate of the transported men is not enviable: the Romans enslave them and force them to fight in the gladiator arena, but a close-knit foursome refuses to languish in captivity—they will fight for freedom, winning battles and suffering losses. Against them is an entire legion… Who will be victorious over whom?!