[ He nods curtly, pulling sharply on the reins to steer his mount in the proper direction. More than an hour of hard riding brings to them the villa in question, visible some distance away when they crest a hill; it's far from the main thoroughfares, secluded and hidden in a heavily forested area, making it an ideal location for a hideout. Evidently the Venatori were unconcerned about maintaining any sort of illusion to hide their presence, obvious due to the dozen or so men in sharp, angular-styled robes milling about the front garden, enclosed by a large wall. The main entrance is a wrought iron gate, currently chained shut. ]

We will have to be quick. [ he says it as he dismounts, bringing out his staff again. ] The ritual may very well have been a bluff, but I imagine neither of us would like to take that chance.