While you are walking next to the carts talking to one of the merchants you hear a sudden scream ended by an abrupt thundering and crashing of wood followed by the loud clashing and screams of combat.

You make your way to the front of the caravan and see the freshly felled tree to block you path as well as the ragged band of bandits who felled it. Several of the guards as well as some merchants already lie slain with several more in combat. You make haste to help avoid more casualties.