(Tried writing a comment, but it pasted 6 copies)

Great job creating a scene and a rivalry, not to mention a heck of a summation of what your protagonist has been up to and up against for the past little while. Great bit of story and a twist on the challenge.

spelling errors: achieve, damnedest. Otherwise good.

Not sure of the setting (I picture something American Revolutionary perhaps), but this is damn good. Engaging.

Incredibly succinct, nicely written, and captures the challenge perfectly.