Previously,
He had proposed to his uncle to build warships using the blueprints he got and asked him to secrecy the blueprints, as to prevent them from being stolen he asked his uncle to hire a few lines, Myr, and bravos men who were good at shipbuilding. He also asked him to make Lord Manderley the naval commander to the west leaving the east to Davos Seaworth once he tracked him down. The warships were five hundred in number.
Half of which was financed by them and the rest by the Manderleys through the wealth that was hidden in the Stark crypts.
Through these happenings, they traveled the North with his uncle to be introduced to the rest of the lord while also discussing the development of the road. Ned wanted Karlon to understand the workings of the North. Karlon had already drawn up building plans for the rebuilding of Moat Cailin and also the building of a bridge to connect the North to Greywaters Watch. As these plans were major, Karlon tasked his uncle to ask King Robert to send all the homeless and Beggars or anyone who wanted work to the North. This was immediately approved as it lessened the population in Kings landing.
Reaching the solar, he knocked and heard a faint voice urging him to come in. Once in he greeted his uncle while locking the door. How are the plans going so far, uncle? Karlon asked. We are already on track and the idea to build watch towers along both the east and west coast is splendid; this will enable us to know when ships are approaching. Also, the roads around the North will be done in a year after convincing most of the lords of its benefits. Also, the man Davos Seaworth has been found and would arrive at Winterfell in a fortnight. "So, Karlon what did you want?" Ned asked.
"I was bringing you the plans on the rebuilding of Moat Cailin and the bridge to Greywaters watch removing the need of using the one with House Frey. Also, maester Luwin has informed me of the crops we had commissioned that can grow in the north will arrive on the next moon. I have also brought plans on making glass and there have been deposits of gold found in Karhold. There are also plans on improving each of the houses in the North so that they will be loyal to us. I also plan on wanting to ask the Nights watch for the gift as they do not use it as land for farming, a military fortress, which will help the nights watch." Karlon said as he showcased the plans on the table.
"I'm not sure the small council will approve of a military fortress," Ned said." That is why uncle we need to make them see as a station where some people are used for farming if we are asked otherwise, we keep our mouths shut on our dealings in the North. Once we start the rebuilding of Moat Cailin, we will root out all the spies. I have found that most of our maesters in the North are spies for Oldtown and some other people. We will start with Winterfell then move on to our neighboring houses as we continue through the north." Karlon spoke.
"Okay then, let's start with the plans."Ned said. "Also, uncle, we should send both Jon and Robb to White Harbor for fostering, while Sansa should be sent to Barrowton to Lady Barbery once she reaches eight years. The influence of the seven should not be in the North. Luckily, you did not build a sept in the North or it will stem trouble for us. Septa Mordane should be sent back and you should urge aunt Catelyn to reform to the old gods. You should also not tell her of some plans just to give vague truths." Karlon spoke with finality, bade his uncle goodbye, and left while heading to the gods wood.