[KCD1] Holy shit I suck at combat in this game

Hi all. I decided to take a leap into this wonderful medieval world of Henry this past week and i have enjoyed the story from the moment the game started. Long story short, I lost my horse so I’ve been having to travel on foot and I can’t progress in the story at the current stage I’m at because I suck ass at sword fighting. I’m constantly being jumped by 3 people and a dog everytime I step on a path to the next quest and it’s causing me to want to put down this game. I really want to beat this game but if anyone has any tips on how to get past this roadblock, I’d deeply appreciate it.

God bless you!