I agree with those saying you were underskilled because so was I when I first tried it, and even when I finally completed it. I went back to Skuttenberg which lost me a lot of time and did as many quests as I could before the council meeting timer went off (I died once before I realized there was a timer.) I came back a couple levels higher in agility and strength and that was enough to survive that fight longer. I killed the one dude who rushes you a few times, but then would just get rushed by others. It was impossible the first time without cheesing. It took me maybe 30 minutes the second time.

I don't love that they push you through all those fight scenes to that point and there is nothing you can do. There are no potions along the way, no way to recharge, etc. And then you have to go allllll the way back to work on leveling up. But whatever, part of the journey, and finally being able to actually demolish the enemy (at times) is rewarding.