How much exploring did you do to the west? At low level missing a fight reduces your XP by so much that it isn't worth it, if you want to maintain an advantage you need to get involved with every possible fight you can.
Also, DOS is more of a freeform game than 'I have to go towards this quest because it's all that I have left to do' - if you play with that mentality (I'm not saying that you do, but in case that is the case) then you are likely to miss a lot of interesting opportunities.
If you get really stuck, abelhabel's suggestions are good, and you can also find an optimal Cyseal area order somewhere on the forums.
Good luck!
