Road to Cortitia: more trouble

"Face it, kid: you're no match for the Kandarin Bandits!"
Chris decided he wouldn't be able to outrun these guys to town. He'd have to slow them down somehow. When he reached the end of the bridge, his instincts took over. "Don't come any closer!"
The men seemed amused. "And if we do?" asked the one in the front. Chris assumed this was their leader. Without thinking, Chris pulled out the knife he had. The bandits laughed heartily. "So yer going to butter my bread 'til I beg fer mercy?" Chris realized how stupid he must look; a kid with a knife against half a dozen men with swords. They continued across the bridge. Then inspiration struck. Chris grabbed one of the ropes and began cutting. The bandits didn't seem to notice anything until their left handrail became limp.
"He's cutting the bridge!" on of them yelled. Chris felt a surge of power. It seemed they got the point on the first rope. All of them were heading back. Chris continued to cut the rest of the ropes. By the time he had gotten to the last rope, they were very close to the other side. Chris cut through the final rope. The bandits grabbed hold of the ropes as they swung into the cliff face. They made contact with a unison groan. As soon as they hit, their grip loosened. They dropped to a small ledge just below. Still a good distance from the river below, but still low enough to keep them from grabbing the ropes dangling above. He felt a sense of accomplishment. He turned his back to them and continued down the path. Behind him he heard shouts and arguing.
Before he had walked even one minute, Chris arrived at a large wooden door in a stone wall.