Possible Clues:

• A number return into stronghold in the van
• Leading medic buried in wooded area
• A few rising in garrison will be top-ranked
• Woods about second, first?
• ... and little time among trees
• Leading for a little time among the trees
• A lot of wood - an order to be carried over in the van
• First in time, place or importance
• Leading way of working in jungle
• Some retreat into the stronghold — and they are the leaders