Karen Conlin"A line formed in front of each body, the least of which was fourteen strong, aside from (his) eight."
Aside from syntax issues (this could be much clearer), if one line has but eight members, and the next largest has fourteen, isn't the one with eight the least?
What am I missing? (Again, not a call for comment. This is just a typical cold read.) I suppose this is part of the writer's penchant for "writing like Tolkien." More words than are helpful, with unusual constructions. And I say that as one who enjoys Tolkien.