10” is too tall for just sand. You will need a retaining wall (1 course plus cap blocks should do), then fill and level (string level with proper slope markings) with aggregate (abc, crusher run, etc). Vibrating plate compactor on that to get it tight. Then 1-2” max of sand. Lay down edgers to retain the bricks where there is no wall. Level the sand and lay your bricks/pavers. Plate compactor over that to bed them in. Then I would use polymer sand to fill the gaps. You can use paver sand (different than bedding sand) to lock them in, but polymeric sand keeps the weeds at bay and less maintenance over time.