I'm here. Let's make other people die, not the game thread.
In regard to tactics: The current plan is to wait until the merchant closes shop, ambush him on his way home, then run like hell (if necessary). Samuel can charm one of our opponents--but charming one guard may not make much difference, while charming the merchant would raise suspicion, most likely (although we're probably going to wind up riding out of town in the night or on a rail anyway).