Make a sachet of the spices: Cut a sheet of 10-inch square of cheesecloth and spread it out on a work surface. Place the cinnamon stick, peppercorns, allspice, cloves, and orange zest in the center. Gather the corners together and tie them into a sachet with kitchen twine.
Pour the water into a medium-sized saucepan set over high heat, add the sachet, brown sugar, honey, nutmeg, figs, cherries, currants, strawberries, plums, and prunes, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring, uncovered, for 15 minutes. The liquid will reduce considerably and the fruit will absorb the liquid and rehydrate.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes, until the fruit is cool enough to touch.Remove the sachet.
Serve immediately or transfer to one large or several small containers, cover, and refrigerate. This compote can be served cold or gently rewarmed. It will keep, covered, in the refrigerator, for about 5 days.