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Starting in 769 is often a suicide, as the Ummayad usually DOWs you before you can have a strong ally. You need to have a stable Carloman or Charles (and they often face a civil war early one), and some time to stockpile gold for mercenaries, revoking some counties if you can, and why not assassinate some pesky barons so you can get this juicy castle.
In 867, you have some more lands, and more allies near you (Navarra and West Francia)