An arena drenched in blood, gladiators circling opposite each other, preparing to strike a fatal blow... This scene is familiar to us from many books and films. But this time the action does not take place in Ancient Rome, and the scarred warriors do not look quite ordinary. In fact, much is different here. Only the blood is the same as always. And the same death. And the same courage. An amateur caver, veterinarian and diver enthusiast, certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, James Rollins is the author of several modern thrillers (some with a strong admixture of fantasy), such as “The Cave”, “Pyramid” , “Iceberg”, “The Abyss” and “Amazonia”, as well as a series of novels telling about the adventures of the Sigma squad, which more than once had to save humanity: “Sand Devil”, “Bones of the Magi”, “The Black Order” and “The Seal of Judas” . His latest books are a novel based on the film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and the novel The Last Oracle. He lives with his family in Sacramento, California, and is engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine. The story "The Pit" is included in the collection "Warriors", compiled by George Martin and Gardner Dozois.