Dragonkeeper

Ping is a slave in a little-used royal palace on the edge of the Emperors kingdom. Her tyrannic master is a cruel drunkard who neglects his duties as Imperial Dragonkeeper and under his watch the Emperors dragons have dwindled from a magnificent dozen to a miserable two. When one dragon dies only the ancient and wise Long Danzi remains. His fate seems sealed - until Ping comes to his rescue in a moment of startling bravery that reveals her destiny as a Dragonkeeper. Pursued by the Emperors forces and an evil dragon hunter Ping Danzi and a rat called Hua set off on a remarkable journey across the kingdom. Bound for the Ocean they carry a mesmerising beautiful dragon stone that must be protected at any cost. Surviving dangers of all kinds - a shape-shifting necromancer and a ritual sacrifice among them - the trio finally arrive at Ocean Danzis final place of rest. But as her dragon-friend leaves Ping forever the dragon stone reveals its spectacular secret...