"I think it is more important to attack Pamplona and then to open the passage of the Pyrenees than to attack Burgos and León in the south, or to occupy Zaragoza along the Ebro...... Of course, my next move will largely be determined by the situation in the Pyrenees line, because I am sure that Duke Rodrigo will surprise me. ”

William said at the temporary military meeting convened.

At noon on the first day of William's landing in Biscay, his two Guards Corps, the Nordic Guards and other direct forces had all been assembled in Bilbao, and it was expected that he would lead a huge army of up to 30,000 men to the Pyrenees early tomorrow morning.

Regardless of whether Sancho had the courage to lead his troops to intercept the attack, the end of the war was already sealed from the moment he led his troops to land, and the Castilles, who had lost the defense line of the Pyrenees, were far inferior to the Norman Empire in the competition of strength after all.

"Eneco of Biscay, see His Majesty William."

A young nobleman in his early thirties stepped forward, knelt down on one knee in front of William, and said respectfully.

"Please, Lord Eneco." William hurriedly stretched out his hand to help him, and said enthusiastically: "This time, our army was able to land smoothly thanks to the help of Lord Count Eneco. ”

"Your Majesty has an overreputation, and the minister just did his part."

Count Eneco was a close vassal of the Empress Urraca family, and although he was a vassal of King Sancho, he was often ostracized by the other Castile nobles in the country because of his Bacchus connections, and at that time, the official Empress Uraca accepted him selflessly, which earned his allegiance.

William, as the husband of Princess Uraca, the second in line to the throne of Castille and Leon, and naturally the object of Count Eneco's allegiance, how could he not be enthusiastic about his new master.

"Your Majesty, the minister has gathered all the troops in Biscaybe, a total of more than 5,000 men, all sent by Your Majesty."

"Lord Eneko, he is indeed a loyal and righteous person, and his loyalty is commendable, and after this battle, I will be rewarded!"

While William and Count Eneco were having a good conversation, Count Russell stepped forward and bowed down to report: "Your Majesty, news has come from the front that Sancho II of Castille and Sancho VI of Navarre are marching on Biss with 20,000 troops. ”

"Your Majesty, I am willing to be the vanguard and lead 5,000 men and horses to stop King Sancho's army!"

Count Eneco pleaded in a loud voice.

"It's okay, Lord Enneko, our army has won this battle, how can the enemy resist our attack with weak forces?

We will repair for the night, and tomorrow we will march along the Bibidasoa River to fight Sancho of Castile. William chuckled and said confidently.

"Your Majesty, can you allow the minister to observe the battle report, maybe the minister can provide some useful advice."

Since his own proposal was not accepted by William, Count Eneco retreated to the next best thing and sought effective advice and help in terms of strategy and tactics.

"It's important to know everything."

Count Eneco, the Earl of Biscay and the local head of the land, knew the terrain, rivers and climate around him well, and William was naturally overjoyed to have his help.

"Your Majesty, according to the reports from the front, the army led by King Sancho numbered 20,000 men, of which 14,000 were on the side of Castile, more than 6,000 on the side of the Kingdom of Navarre, about 3,000 knights, and 5,000 for the armorers, making them an enemy to be reckoned with."

After receiving William's permission, the Earl of Russell began to tell the people about the information in his possession.

"Well, the Castills have cultivated superb tactics and indomitable courage in the battle against the Moors, and they are indeed not to be underestimated, especially the three thousand Castillan knights, which deserve everyone's attention."

William nodded slightly, and then motioned for Earl Russell to continue.

"The enemy army had King Sancho as the main commander, King Sancho VI of Navarre as the deputy, and there were generals such as the veteran Gonzalo, Munio of Santilana, Diego of Odovie, and Perold of Vaydolid."

"Well, these people are old faces, I've fought a lot with them, and there is indeed a lot to praise in terms of tactics." William nodded slightly, raised his hand and gestured:

"What's the latest on Duke Rodrigo?"

"Back to Your Majesty, the information that has just arrived from Duke Rodrigo shows that the commander of the Fifth Legion, Lord Rogerber, is personally leading more than 5,600 men who are trying to cross the Songbo Pass and then attack Pamplona, the capital of Navarre."

Listening to Count Russell's narration, William had some doubts in his heart, with his impression of Duke Rodrigo, the other party was a steady general, would he give such an order?

"Your Majesty, this is Count Roger's request, and it was only agreed and carried out after consultation with Duke Rodrigo."

"yes, got it." William nodded slightly, then looked at everyone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is expected that tomorrow morning, the enemy army will arrive in the territory of Biscay, and it will be the time for the decisive battle, I hope you are ready!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty." The crowd shouted in response.

"Your Majesty, the minister has a word." The Earl of Biscay stood up and spoke.

"Please, Master Eneco."

"Your Majesty, I ask you to send troops to Victoria City quickly, and then take possession of the city and then start a battle against this city.

The tactics of the Castilles are the most clear to the ministers, and compared to the battle, the fortress line tactics with the elite mobile main force are the big killers they intend to win.

Therefore, the occupation of Victoria City was a necessary key to this battle. Count Eneco stood up and said with some eagerness.

"Count Eneco is right, the Castiers and Navarres have more light cavalry than the battle phalanx infantry and heavy cavalry tactics that our army is good at, and once they occupy the city of Tolosa, their light cavalry can attack our supply lines with impunity."

William nodded heavily, turned to his brother Robert and ordered, "Robert, you quickly lead the headquarters of the 1st Guards Cavalry Brigade and occupy Victoria before the Castils. ”

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Duke Robert of Conteville commanded.

"There is no delay now, after the noon rest is over, the group of kings can set out for camp and march towards Victoria City!"

"Yes."

At this moment, he couldn't hesitate, since the other party had come to the door generously, even if William's side had just landed, he was not afraid of the other side for half a point.

William of Victoria also knew that its location on the main transportation route was indeed dangerous, and it could be said that whoever could occupy the city would be able to take the initiative in the next war.