on your first quest it is almost impossible to get back to the town. I tried for about an hour and instead of taking the bottom path, took the right path... after getting to level 4, I eventually died when i had to fight about 3 snakes and an impossible level 6 scorpion... why make the first quest of the game so freaking hard!?
if your struggling on hard follow this simple guide:
1. Upgrade windmill (not barrack)
2. Buy Barack
3. Buy Blacksmith
4. Build max riflemen units then attack!
5. Keep upgrading buildings and making riflemen!
6. Wait until victory!!!