If you have not read Issola.. dont read the bellow message as it contains spoilers. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Well.. if I remember correctly, the reason Vlad doesn't think there are any assasin waiting for him "yet" is because he has the item which keeps him virtually undetectable to magics. So they can't track him that way, they woudlnt be ready to kill him right then and there if he's just been spotted... As to why he chose to go to Valabars, he now has a Great Weapon... He's like... "screw it, I got on of the most powerful, and deadly weapons EVER...who's gonna mess with me?"