(You're in the Council Hall right now, and you're going up into the mountains to see a hermit and look around.)

The mayor shakes his head. We can't get you horses. We can only assign them to a mission that's sponsored by the Council. The doctor said that he's incurable, so the council won't back you. I'm paying out of my own pocket for this. I can't get you horses. You should be able to get to the hermit's house in a day or two if you hurry. Please do. The elder doesn't have much time left. As he speaks, the elder has another coughing fit. Please hurry.