You were poking around in his business. Mages get peevy about that, especially when they're not being good citizens.

[…] the Civil Service Association is not particularly happy with the decision of the Government in regard to rents and the way they will be levied on its members in the more outback country areas.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The barn goes down tomorrow, rain or shine, hell or high water, with your cooperation or without it.