What is the theme in A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan?

Friendship is seen throughout A Crown of Swords. This may be due largely to the fact that Perrin, Mat, Rand, Elayne, and Nynaeve were all childhood friends. Perrin and Rand are the first place that this is seen. Perrin's point of view shows the bond between Rand and Perrin. Perrin realizes that Rand is the one that is supposed to keep the world safe from the Keeper, but Perrin is also concerned for his friend. At one point in the story, Perrin realizes that he is wishing for his friend to be alright, but he needs for the Dragon Reborn to be alright. Perrin realizes that he has a need for Rand other than their friendship, but it is the friendship that Perrin focuses on. When Rand sends Perrin away, Perrin does not simply leave, but goes off to help Rand on a different front. Rand has dreams at night in which he kills Perrin. These nightmares frighten him.