Far from being depressed, Wulf felt his spirits rise as he rode
away on his banishment from court, for instead of feeling it a
disgrace he regarded it as a step forward in life. Earl Harold
could certainly, had he been so inclined, have smoothed down the
angry prelate, and could have retained him at court; but by the way
he had spoken, Wulf was convinced that the earl let him go because
he thought that it was good for him to be away. For four years he
had been under tutelage, first at Waltham, and then at the court.
In the last position his life had indeed been a pleasant one, for
as one of Harold's pages he had mixed with all the noble youths of
the court, and had had a place at every festive gathering. Still,
he had been but a page, and treated as a boy. Now he was to go
forth, and to learn his duties as his father's successor.

Harold's steward, who had since the thane's death acted as the
earl's agent in the management of the estate, would instruct him
doubtless in his civil duties, while the soldier who rode behind
him would teach him how to lead men in battle, and how to make the
fighting force of the estate efficient. Beyond these duties his
time would be his own. He would have responsibilities, but they
would be the responsibilities of a thane towards his tenants, and
not of a page towards his master. He was going away a boy, but if
it pleased Harold that he should remain away for two years he would
return a thane. A young one, indeed, but one who had learned the
duties of his station, and who, if needs be, could take his place
in the field of battle at the head of his followers. For, even
putting aside the Normans, from whom the earl seemed to think the
greatest danger would come, there was never any long cessation of
fighting in England.