The guards were waiting. Why waste many men when you could lure them away. 

One group of normal guards are walking down the road. These simple men and woman are not of any harm to you or anyone, upon seeing the pile of bodies they run down the road towards you stoping by forming a bracket around you, blocking the way to the gate. A large group of sailors come up on your other side, they are equpit with meat hooks and swords. You are stuck between two forces that will work together.

To your left and right are small alleys. They would be great places for an ambush.

Your move. Your choices.