Have you completed the catacombs and done all the quests in town? There is no rush to get the escort (as long as you do not forget about it, and get into some of the later, more involved main plot quests).
The orcs to the east, west and north of Aleroth are weaker and spread out more than the ones to the south, so you could clear those first (if you have not already done so). For the ones to the south, if you approach and then withdraw, they may spread out a bit as they follow you, allowing you to turn and attack a couple at a time, rather than a mob. Hit and run tactics with a bow or spell could also help.
I found a Burning Wall spell book in Mardaneus' house when I looted it, which came in handy a couple times at the start of the game, though I didn't use it after that. This spell (not sure what the level requirements are) allowed me to defeat the spider under one of the tiles at the bottom of the catacombs (couldn't last 2 hits in direct melee fighting, and the spell did more damage than my sword could, especially if the spider got caught up in the wall), and it helped with the first large group of strong orcs you meet south of Aleroth. When performing a strategic withdrawal, Burning Wall can do damage as well as slow your opponents and help spread them out. Circling an opponent (or tight group) with Burning Wall can also be very effective.
Meteorstrike can be cast very quickly, and has a bit of a stunning effect, so even level 1 can be quite effective as long as your mana reserves hold out.
Once you make it through the first group of orcs, explore around the farmlands, head east to find Ars Magicana and the merchants there (for better equipment), etc.
Early Starter Tips (NON-Spoiler Version)Welcome to the forum.
