What do they mean?
When called upon to play the bear and carry off the maiden fair, he had been sullen and uncooperative, shuffling lifelessly through his paces when he deigned to take part in their mummery at all.

Excerpt From
A Dance with Dragons

Hi. What does “through his paces” mean?
And what does “at all” mean when it is used in a positive sentence?
Thank you.

Question

What do they mean?
When called upon to play the bear and carry off the maiden fair, he had been sullen and uncooperative, shuffling lifelessly through his paces when he deigned to take part in their mummery at all.

Excerpt From
A Dance with Dragons

Hi. What does “through his paces” mean?
And what does “at all” mean when it is used in a positive sentence?
Thank you.

Answer

I agree with Jewel that this is an archaic text that you are reading. And, you may benefit more from reading more modern texts.

Answer

Wow this is some really old-timey English stuff that you're reading. It's giving me a headache lol.

"through his paces" is like "through his steps" I believe. He's shuffling lifelessly as he walks/with each step.

"At all" is like "even a little bit/to any extent" I believe. "When he reluctantly agreed to take part in their mummery even a little bit/to any extent."