That bridge puzzle...very odd indeed. I did it eventually, but kept on having to move the dog around. Why did I have the dog in my party? Your guess is as good as mine, but he's more use than Lalania(sp?).

I'd just about reached the Landsmeet questline when Zavren turned on me. Bastard! Obviously I've saved at that point and will return to it at intervals to see if there are any fewer assassins/more ooomph in my party. It should not be impossible to beat anything at 'casual', it really shouldn't.