Borl wasn’t a hero. He was the smallest and weakest person in the least important of the Middlemen settlements. He had only traveled with Chart to learn about herbs so that he could help people not because he had any interest in leaving the village. And he had learned the tracking language of twisted branches and broken twigs so that he could communicate with his friend.
But when the people that the Middlemen were convinced were their friends and allies turn on them it’s his skills that become vital. His fear helps him uncover dangers others missed, his skill in tracking is vital in gathering the help they need and his understanding of herbal remedies saves lives. But his true gift is a deep well of bravery that even he didn’t know he had.
And slowly those who dismissed him as the least of them begin to see that being the best fighter doesn’t make you the best person. Having magic doesn’t make you the best ruler and being afraid doesn’t make you a coward and he reminds us that even the smallest person can change the course of the future.