"From the brazier head north, and when the street turns east, follow it."

My God. You must turn east at the first intersection where two streets intersect. And as you head east, the street curves to the northeast and then back to the east, and here is the herbalist's house.

"From the Bridge of the Hierarch follow the road north-west, then north. Cross a short bridge to the north-east and continue north until you find an alley to the east, blocked by a crude wooden door."

If I'm correct this door is before the short bridge, not after. And In my case it was only three bandits, whithout any merchants.