 Desperation makes thieves of us all. You've heard a rumor of a band of mercenaries stealing townsfolk from their homes, who now intend to ransom them to a nearby city for food or gold to buy them. But journeys are long, and even villains need rest, so they may camp, certain that they're safe. The captain was a brute no doubt, but he faced your challenge when he could have killed the hostages, and that earns some level of respect. Now the villagers will be taken home until we roll again.