Ascension Quests - 2

After trying to get to Droknar's Forge with just henchmen, I realized that I need more help or armor, so I am concentrating on finishing the Ascension part, and then coming back to try again.
I wish there were a way for the henchmen to have more power on the Droknar's trip. When my main character is level 20, the henchmen should also be more advanced than their current level.
Maybe we are supposed to require the help of runners?
I have completed two of the Ascension/desert quests, but the Thirsty River quest where we have to defeat all the different groups of warriors is causing me problems, since I only use henchmen. I'm determined to see if I CAN do the whole game with just henchmen!