Introductory Notes by the Author Given the nature of this cure-all, it is particularly important to identify the sources of the techniques and materials it describes, along with outlining the methodology employed in compiling the cures presented here. Uniquely, the primary source of information used in compiling this text is a small collection of modern-day practitioners. Living and practicing in a variety of cities encircling the Mediterranean Sea, each of these practitioners continues to use the healing practices of the ancient mediciners of the chivalric orders involved in the Crusades. The process began with a journey of discovery that took me to Morocco, Rhodes, Malta, The Czech Republic, and Poland. As I traveled, I accumulated a unique collection of ancient cures and detailed descriptions of the materials and methods used in crafting and administering each. On many of these occasions, the information I gathered was copied from old well-used, hand-written notebooks and journals; but much of the time it was gleaned from long discussions over endless glasses of strong, sweet coffee in hot, smoke-filled rooms. It all now seems to blend together in my memory. Chapter Nine The Cure-all Many Ailments and their Remedies As with most Cure-alls the remedies begin with ailments of the head and progress downward until reaching the feet.

There then follow remedies for more general ailments common to most or all parts of the body. Finally, there are remedies for those specifically injured in battle, for those stricken by Elf-shot and Flying Venom, and those under the curse of Dwarves, Fairies and Enchanters. There are also recommended preventative potions for storms at sea, those fatigued from long journeys, and cures for seasickness and mental disorders. The Cure-all is used by first referring to the area of the body where the problem lies, then searching the list of individual ailments to find the appropriate one. Then the Mediciner selects a suitable cure for the patient and references the ingredients used in the Pharmacopeia before preparing the remedy according to the recipe detailed in the Cure-all. The cure is then administered according to the dosage or method described. - J.G.

H. FOR AILMENTS OF THE HEAD For Witlessness of the Mind -- A Complex Take a single hen''s egg full of equal parts of Sulphurweed, also called Hog''s Fennel, and Wild Sage, pummel until the herbs release their juices. Boil juice and the herb fibre lightly with four of the same measures of Metheglyn. Strain through a linen and add Honey to sweeten. Take as the Sun rises and again as it sets for three days. Sleep one night, the following day and a night further. The cure will be spoken of far and wide for many years after. For a Shattered Skull -- A Simple Pound the Flowerheads of twenty-four Gladiolus and add to a flagon of Sweet-Water.

Let the simple stand for at least four hours. Soak a light clothe in the Simple and wrap not tightly around the head, covering the wound. Pour more of the Simple over the clothe each hour until the pain is relieved. Relief will come and comfort return. For the Same -- A Simple Take the plant betonica, that some call Wood Betony, leaves, stalk and root and cut fine into pieces. Let it dry before the fire and then grind to a fine powder. Add two coin''s weight to hot Gruit Ale and give to drink. Add a further two coin''s weight to warmed vixen fat and pummel to a virtuous unction, then smear upon the forehead.

The skull will be healed. In the Same Way -- A Complex Take equal measures of the liver of a Grey Toad that is dried and powdered, the Herb Rosemary and Red Dock and mix with oil of Rose. In this Complex soak a woollen clothe and make as a poultice to be wrapped around the injured head. This to be repeated once every hour for five hours until the skull is healed. This healing will take two days when the poultice can be left off.