Juggles spiked weights

Larten would also lift several heavy weights and juggle them. Each
object had spikes or sharp edges, so if he made a mistake, he’d lose a few
fingers.

“I do not recall you being this bloodthirsty in the past,” he complained
at one point.

“Audiences are more sophisticated than before,” Mr. Tall said. “We
have to add an authentic element of danger. They must see that the threat of
injury is genuine. If you can’t give them that, they will jeer you offstage.”

***

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Brothers to the Death, Chapter 18