Is this meant to happen? im level 21 and i've just one into the free mine to liberate it from Gomez and the archers in there just annihilate my health in seconds, what gives?

I never understood that either - had to resort to retreating out the entrance, healing, then re-entering multiple times.

In the Free Mine I always equip the hero with ring and amulet which raise his protection from arrows. Try to go under the wood platform very quickly maybe using athletics, this way you can kill those initial guards without problem.

I will be honest - I came here looking for some other information but when I saw this thread title I had to wonder if it was a Gothic-related question or a sex ad.

mmm never had a problem with bow enemies. Just walk to the side, arrow misses. You can see them shooting, and arrows don't home in on you. You can pretty much dodge 10 archers just by moving right and left lol.