The Carpenter

There once was a man named Poly Van Echt. he worked as a carpenter in the Middle Ages. He spent years honing his craft, working under many master builders until he one day rose to prominence and became the official carpenter to the kingdom. The king came to him during a particularly rainy season, and said "Master Van Echt, the rain has caused all the bridges in our kingdom to rot. Citizens are unable to to go to market, farmers cannot bring there crops forth to sell, under risk of a collapse. Can't you do something?" Poly went to work immediately rebuilding the bridges, it took many weeks, but finally all the wood work in the kingdom was rebuilt, stronger than ever. He came to the palace and said "My liege, the work is complete."
The king replied "yes yes, the bridges are rebuilt, but what if the rains were to come again? Will they not give way to rot once more master Van Echt?" The carpenter shook his head, "No your highness, for I have developed a special compound that promises to keep our bridges free of rot, see how the they glimmer in the sun with renewed strength against the rain!"
The king nodded his approval and called his closest advisors to conference, after a few moments he spoke "Master Van Echt, for your service to the kingdom, we grant you land and title!"
The carpenter's eyes went wide "you mean?"
The king nodded, "That's right Poly, you're a Thane.