"Well Rand, having a spy is a good idea. In fact, your idea would work under much better circumstances. But as I understand it, your lot went out and killed a number of Lord Eowen's men. Even if he sent in a false report, he couldn't account for those missing bodies that just happened to disappear on a raid on my villagers. That's all the reason he needs to launch an attack." she explained to the mercenary, leaning back.
"Now, I understand that it may seem like a good idea to launch a counterattack, but Rand is actually correct. We lack the manpower to enact a siege. You have no sappers, no smiths, no men to move supplies. You didn't mention the state of my villagers and that itself is telling of their fate. Even skirmishes would be tricky. But...."

The queen sat in silence, thinking for a short minute.

"The men were likely expected to return later tonight. After this they'll rally their forces. This will take two.... maybe three days, as the country hasn't warred in about fifteen years. And another day to march. This leaves us with about five days, at the most. And then..." she smiled, softly.
"They'll try and take my castle. And that's right were I want them."

She leaned forward, and explained.
"When they launch the siege, they'll set up an encampment outside our walls, and attempt to starve us out. Maybe they'll pass an occasional raid team through our walls, but considering my situation, it's unlikely they'll put in a serious effort beyond sitting there with a spear and a mug, watching for our larders to run dry. This is good; there's still a fair amount of food- not as much as I'd like after your soiree, but still a fair amount."
"Now, we know we can defend a siege. But, we're far enough out that to the south and southwest there are a handful of lords who remained neutral during the coup. This plan is in two parts." she explained, raising two fingers.

"First, the defensive team will spend our five days preparing for the siege. We'll gather as much food, arms, and arrows in the keep as possible; we'll clear the trees outside to create a larger field of vision, as well. A hundred men is more than enough to defend this keep. We need to keep their army out in the open. That means all we have to do is keep our walls secure for a short while. Now, the second part..." she stood up, and walked over to Rand.
"Rand, out of all the mercenaries, your words and eyes strike me as... you're the most virtuous, aren't you? The most noble? I admire this in a soldier, and I need someone who can find genuine words to sway someone's heart. I need you to take one man- any you desire, and ride South, to those unaligned lords, and ask for help. Promise them land- Eowen's land, if we win. Let them know I can get them more if they stay at my side. If an army circles around and launches a surprise attack, they'd be caught between our future allies' spears and the arrows from atop our walls. Like cornering a deer." she said aloud.

"Here are your orders: Prepare our defenses, because your lives depend on it. Rand and his partner shall ride out immediately." she called to the men, her face solemn.

"And Rand," she added.
"Our lives depend on your being successful. Should you succeed, I shall grant you a fair reward: knighthood. Proper knighthood, granted by the rightful queen of Arlon. Now ride."