The Phoenix Bells — Kathryn Ptacek

Long ago and far away, there was a wondrous land...

A land of everlasting spring where willow trees grew as blades of grass. A land where all the dragons of the world dwelt in peace, filling the fragrant air with their silver song.

Then one day the wise men came to the emperor to warn him of a darkness that threatened the land and all within. He must leave his palace, they urged, and travel to strange and distant places to seek a bride. He must find an empress for the land, who can light the dragonleaf with her touch and hear the silvery music of the dragons.

Or their song will cease forever.