Right! So, the original contract for the series was for six books, which would make Wet Grave the last one (which you can sort of feel, as books 1-6 have more of a unified arc than later books do). But before Hambly actually started writing Wet Grave, it got extended for two more books (she's since switched publishers). I think the original plan was for Hannibal to fill Artois's plot role (which is basically a) be a friend to Ben and Rose, b) give Ben someone to talk to about his feelings regarding Rose, and c) get into trouble in the Swamp, all of which are Hannibal's usual plot role anyway), but when the series got extended, Hambly changed her mind about killing him off. WHICH I AM VERY GLAD OF, as I don't want Hannibal to die! I have no proof of any of this, by the way, it just seems likely to me. But anyway, since Hannibal's plot role was being filled by Artois there was necessary for Hannibal to do, so it made sense to send him off to set up the next book.

I love the moment in "Wet Grave" where Ben's like, "Hmmmm, maybe Hannibal calls her Athene not just because of the glasses". The nicknames are the best, and I'm not normally into nicknames.