Hello: I am level 9 Spellsword, and decided to take on Shimmermist Caves. I was doing ok, after a few re-loads, and at at the apprentice level, until I got to beyond the grotto, where this Cylon (I think it was a Dwarven Centurion) came out of the shadows and used me on the green as a par 3. I think I got one shot in where I chipped his paint, and then next thing I know, I am hearing those speak to me at my eulogy. I have completed the gold claw quest, and I am supposed to meet someone (can't remember the name after getting my bell rung here) at the West Tower to look for a dragon outside of Whiterun. Any suggestions? Perhaps try later? If so, does the cave respawn? Not sure how many lives I have left! (And please try to be minimal with the spoilers.) Thank you!

You are supposed to meet Irileth at the Western Watchtower. Shimmermist can be left alone until Your character is stronger, or has allies like Frost or Storm Atronachs.

Shimmermist Cave may need to be cleared again, but the Cave will be much easier on the next crawl through.

Go and meet Irileth, get the ability to Shout. A one word Unrelenting Force can stagger most Opponents in the Game.

Thank you Bradleyh. Will leave the cave now. With some tylenol.

That cave is torture at early levels. I remember being sent there at level 5.

Learn to recognize Falmer totems and other items at the entrances to caves, and if you're low level, skip those caves and come back to them once you've leveled up. Those are just about the toughest dungeons you'll find in the game.