Take a stealthy approach.

You sigh. "Thank you, Adolphus. I was hot-headed. I'm glad I have a wise soldier like you to advise me. What do you suggest?"

The older man purses his lips. "I know this area well too, you know. If we go over the top of the hill, I think the cave mouth is low enough to the ground that we could drop on anyone lurking there from above. At the very least, it would be a way to scout out the area without getting noticed."

You nod. "Very well, then. We'll go over the top...quietly."

Moving carefully, you and your recruits head up the slope of the hill until you crest it and being to move - ever so cautiously - down. Before too long, you and Adolphus are crouched above the entrance to the cave system, peering downslope. You can just make out the group of men lounging around a campfire in front of you, in a wide open area before the cave mouth.

There are only half a dozen of them visible; no doubt more are inside. Still, if you move hard and fast you should be able to take these out and have a few seconds to regroup before anyone realizes what's going on. You quickly flash the number of men to your group with your hands, then hold up a clenched fist, making eye contact with each man to confirm that they're ready for battle. When they all nod at you, you brace yourself, grip your spear, then drop your fist and launch yourself forward, leaping over the top of the cave mouth.

Time seems to slow down. The bandits scramble for their weapons as your followers pelt over the cave top with you, and you lunge for the nearest bandit. For a few moments, all is chaos - a confusion of screams, the sound of blade hitting flesh, flying dirt and mud. You manage to wound one of the bandits, then finish him off. The bandits are in disarray - after a few seconds, you and your group have routed this bunch around the entryway, at least. You catch your breath, then, gathering your men, rush forward into the bandits' cave!