Yes, I am chasing the Steppe Bandits.

How do I know when it's at a low price? I don't know the standard value of the items.

I instigated a war by doing a task for a noble. The peace was no good for him, he wanted war with the Rhodoks. He suggested I make an assault by raiding villages (unable to for some reason) and raiding caravans (not strong enough). Since neither of that was an option I murdered some peasants which also did the trick.

Ahem, my troops:
6 Khergit Skirmishers
14 Khergit Horseman
3 Khergit Tribesman
1 Mercenary Horsemen
1 Sarranid Skirmishers
2 Sarranid Veteran Footmen
3 Slave Drivers
2 Khergit Veteran Horse Archers
7 Khergit Lancers
1 Slave Hunter
3 Horse Archers

All non Khergit troops are freed prisoners of bandits.

Also I just won 4500 denars by winning a tournament.