Being ambushed happens, I've had it happen many times and have learned to take precautions against that.

You never want to give the enemy the advantage of surprise if you can help it, 2 stars are going to slap you hard in Mistlands no matter what.
Always listen/observe before opening/breaking the next door. With practice you can avoid most or all ambush deaths.

I got ambushed in Mistland's the other day by around 6 (two 1 stars) seekers and a soldier due to POIs being near eachother. Even with crappy food and mage armor, I could overcome them by not panicking and using stamina potions.