By the brooch you probably mean the one for sir patirck. You lvl doesnt have anything to do with this quest. You dont have to fight.
potions: there are alot of place sto get some. Use the teleporters (not the pyramids) to get to other places quickly. Or get yourself a good bed to take with you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.
About rescuing Zandalor: you sill can do quest after that. You cant do any after hitting the gong when you have assembeled the counsil. You go to another place then without any way to return.
