Yet another rejection... and a submission contest

I received an email this morning that the short story that I submitted for the Demon Clash of Steel Anthology was rejected. "The opening scene meets - even exceeds - my guideline request to hook me...but then the ensuing page and a half unhooks me. Don't give up on that action-oriented, engaging start."

The opening scene is one of my best. It introduces the demon and how he is released from Hell. The next scene introduces the hero, and he learns about his quest. I think I'll leave the story as is