Malachi scowled. "I don't remember the Clave inviting you into the Glass City, Magnus Bane.""They didn't,"Magnus said. "Your wards are down.""Really?"the Consul's voice dripped sarcasm. "I hadn't noticed."Magnus looked concerned. "That's terrible. Someone should have told you."He glanced at Luke. "Tell him the wards are down.

Malachi scowled at Magnus because he didn’t remember the Clave (a group of important people) inviting Magnus to enter the Glass City. Magnus said that he didn’t need an invitation since the Clave’s wards (protection system) were down. Malachi sarcastically said that he hadn’t noticed, and Magnus looked concerned, saying that it was terrible that no one had told Malachi that the wards were down. Magnus then glanced at Luke, telling him to tell Malachi that the wards were down.